I like to sail out of a harbor that has low power lines over the launch ramp, so often rigged my M15 after getting it in the water. I agree, it seems safer, and has the added benefit of feeling like I am on the water. I always feel like rigging on the dry is an annoying chore, but anything I do once I'm in the water is fun. I also mostly sail together with my 6 year old son, and feel it's a lot safer if he falls off the boat into calm marina water with a life jacket vs from high up on a trailer. This way he can play safely by himself on the dock or boat while I rig. He does drop toys overboard, but I only let him bring toys that float, and we have a net to retrieve them, which also floats. Sincerely, Tyler Sage 17 #0 Goshawk ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Barber" <brbrbarber@gmail.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2023 7:52:11 AM Subject: M_Boats: Re: montgomery_boats Digest, Vol 246, Issue 5 After several club members were injured from falls onto tarmac while rigging boats on trailers, I started raising my mast on the water. I've never lost anything overboard while doing so. My boat is equipped with a rudder craft mast raising strut, which gets the mast high enough to make the job easier. I have raised and lowered my mast while motoring without incident. Because I trailer sail to multiple launch sites during the season, I have lots of experience rigging dockside. When I arrive at a launch I only need to remove 3 straps and crank up the centerboard before launching. No more long sessions rigging in a parking lot. I rig when it's convenient. So far, I'm the only club member to do this. Once, while leaving Monterey for a sail to Moss Landing I lost the main halyard up the mast (that shackle has been replaced) I was able to tie up at an empty pier and lower, retrieve halyard and re rig in 20 minutes. P.S. The strut makes a good place to fly flags, too! Lately I've been sailing under jib only with my awning up. This causes lee helm. I might try a mizzen sail to balance the helm; using the strut as a mast. I'm always thinking up rigging changes. It keeps me interested. Jon Barber Vice Commodore Potter Yachters Monty17 Ol'44