Cape Cutter 19 Association Forum

Just to inform/warn other CC19 sailors with SA masts.
Today I broke my SA mast into three pieces. I was sailing with 3 to 4 bft under main, staysail and yankee. We were close hauled when the mast broke. Nobody gets hurt. I knew that the bottom of the mast was not that good anymore. When I examined the pieces of mast after the incident I saw the inside of the mast was rotten at positions where it wasn’t visible from the outside. So it may be useful for other users of SA masts to know the inside may be worse than the outside. I ordered a new solid mast from oregon pine.

I suppose that the mast has the same age as the hull, build in 2001

I'm sorry to hear that, and please that no-one was hurt. Are there any checks that can be done to test a mast?

Ru88ell wrote:I'm sorry to hear that, and please that no-one was hurt. Are there any checks that can be done to test a mast?

I discussed the possibilities for preventive inspections on a hollow mast with the mast maker. He is quit experienced in wood (http://www.piersma.nl). He was very enthusiastic about the construction of the SAmast because of its weight. But he told me that hollow masts are sensitive for water/humidity and that nothing can be seen from the outside. The only preventive measure one can take is keeping the varnish in good condition.
In my case even the upper part of centre piece of wood in the bottom of the mast was rotten.
At the picture you can see, from left to right, the upper part of the mast, the boom, the centre part of the mast and the gaff. The picture was taken after we cleared the mess, and it was a mess indeed….

Got a new mast several weeks ago. It's solid wood now!
What I realy like is the way they constructed the top, see picture.

Dear Bernard,
I agree that this masttop construction looks very solid and I think that water can not find a way to penetrate. However I miss that elegant "hat"of the original mast. But that is not important. You have now a solid mast and that will be more difficult to raise. Can you tell us how you do this, compared to the former situation.
Are you sailing around Heeg these days?
I hope this mast will serve you right for many years.

Happy sailing,

Bram Marck

Yes, mast is head-less now:)
I don't know the weight of the mast but raising it with two person is no problem.
We went to Stavoren today, quite windy.
Given the forecast we may don't sail this weekend.