C-22 Mast Gates

by Phil Agur

I saw my first set of mast gates on a Fleet 4 C-22 simply named BOAT. The list of owner modifications to BOAT, owned by Doc & Barbara Thompson,  is nearly endless (i.e. inboard motor well, companionway doors, etc.) but let's start simple and work up.

Mast Gates, in combination with sail slides, allow single line reefing to be executed from the cockpit. This eliminates the trip to the mast to move that one sail slug past the stopper. This is a custom fit item for Catalina 22s, as the mast slot length is said to vary in length within C-22 models.

The mast gates are made from aluminum carpet edge molding sold in your local hardware store. Cut two lengths of molding a 1/4 inch longer than the slot in the mast. Next use a file to remove burrs and fit the nose to final length. Using pliers (and several small steps) carefully form the over nose bead over so it matches the mast slot edge. Drill & Tap the mast for 10-24 screws. Mount as shown.
 
  Heavy Air Sailing Tips

I’m often asked why we don’t have basic sailing skills or sailing familiarization course available for members. The answer to that question is one part legal and one part time. 1) There is a well-founded concern that a teaching or curriculum error in a formal sailing course may establish a liability if a student is injured after taking the course. 2) Time, who's got enough these days. There are many fine sailing schools on SF Bay, as well as, schools locally like CSUS on Nimbus or Martin's ASA Sailing School on Folsom Lake. If you need basic skills training take the course.

Here's some free tips could prove helpful to anyone on a C-22's helm.

The Rig . . .

Even among the C-22 One Design Racing Fleet, we are not all rigged the same. A stock C-22, especially a used one, often is missing some of the controls that allow the C-22 racer to make the boat perform (safely) over a broader range of conditions.

• The OUTHAUL. 4:1 to 8:1 tackle mounted on the boom to pull the foot of the mainsail taught, in fact, flat in a blow.
• The CUNNINGHAM. 6:1 to 8:1 tackle mount at the mast for pulling down along the luff of the sail. This pulls the sails draft (the pocket) forward reducing power from the main. Used in combination with a taught outhaul the main becomes very flat, putting off the need to reef as winds build.
• The FLATTENER. 4:1 to 8:1 tackle mounted on the boom to pull the lower 12" of the mainsail taught. Like a second outhaul it is used to further flatten the main in a blow.
• The BOOM VANG. 4:1 tackle mounted between the base of the mast and mid boom for pulling down the boom. This limits the twist in the mainsail when you begin to reach. Close hauled the mainsheet can override the vang's control of main sail twist. The vang is particularly useful when playing the mainsheet in heavy air so you can ease the main without an upset in twist also. The further off the wind you sail more effective the vang becomes.
• The BACK STAY ADJUSTER. 6:1 to 12:1 tackle to shorten the back stay, bending the mid portion of the mast forward as the tip of the mast comes back. Used in combination with all of the above to flatten the main while sailing to windward.

Some special old style issues . . .

• REINFORCED SHROUDS. All the racing old style C-22’s have changed the shroud deck fittings to the "new style" fittings and added aluminum backing plates to spread the load.
• SS SPREADER BRACKETS. Reinforced shrouds put new forces on the old style aluminum spreader brackets. These should be replaced with the newer stainless steel brackets.
• COMPRESSION POST SUPPORTS. Some old style C-22’s have an additional weak spot that appears after the shrouds and speader brackets are reinforced. The weak spot appears where the compression post attaches to the top of the keel trunk. The post can actually punch through the fiberglass surface putting an additional load on your deck.
• QUICK BOW ANCHOR ACCESS. New styles and MK II have bow anchor lockers. Old style C-22 should be equipped with a pulpit or deck anchor mount and a chain pipe to allow for quick anchor deployment.
• TRANSOM LADDER. Transom ladders have become C-22 standard equipment for good reason, they are a must for quick MOB recovery. NOTE: Remember kill the motor and get a line tied around your MOB as soon as you make contact, then have them try climbing the ladder.
• MAST GATES. Mast Gates allow single line reefing to be executed from the cockpit. No trip to the mast to move that one slug past the stopper. This is a homemade item for Catalina's, as the mast slot length varies greatly in length within models. Mine are made from aluminum carpet mold with its edge bead formed over to match the mast slot edge.

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At The Helm . . .

• Skipper’s Responsible ~ The skipper is solely responsible for the decision to sail (leave port) or continue to sail. In my case, that decision is based on my skill level, the condition of the equipment, experience of others on board, the planned course, the reason we are there (having fun), and the vessels operational weather horizon.
• Never Exceed A Vessels Operational Weather Horizon ~ Briefly stated the vessels operation weather horizon is the sailing time to safe haven vs. the weather forecast for unknown or weather conditions which could exceed what the vessel is equipped to handle.
• The Day Pass ~ A trailerable sailboat is not a blue water cruiser, and therefore I take the extra precaution of operating mine as if it is on a revocable day pass when in open water. I plan my sails by tapping local knowledge on weather patterns, checking the US Weather Service broadcast, and keep track throughout the day of my position. I always have the shortest run to the safe haven of a harbor in the back of my mind if un-forecasted conditions cancel my day pass. Often that means I limit my ocean sailing to directly up wind of the harbor so I can calmly run down wind if a strong afternoon thermal kicks in.
• Life Jackets - Wear them ~ Everyone on board should have a life jacket that fits and that they're are willing to wear. They are not optional for children, nor are they optional when the skipper asks that you put it on. Any doubts, have the life jackets put on. When the Sun goes down and we attach strobes and everyone wears life jackets.
• Shorten Sail (reef) Early ~ Know when it’s time to reef and reef early if the wind is building. It’s always easier to shake out a reef if the wind falls off, than to reef after you’ve lost control. No matter what conditions I expect, I always double check the reefing set up on any boat I’m taking out. Single line reefing run to the cockpit is a must. If there’s no roller furler, I rig a jib dowsing line (down haul) back to the cockpit. My goal is to reef the main and/or dowse the jib without sending crew or myself on deck. And if we’re reefing - life jackets go on! Note: If your reefed with jib down and your still over powered try the jib alone on a C-22 ~ It works.
• Anchor(s) Ready To Deploy ~ A great anchor stowed down below under a bunk may still be there when you blow onto a lee shore. When something goes wrong setting your anchor fast may save the vessel but more importantly it may keep you out of the water.
• Know Where You Are ~ I carry a set of charts when I sail (a Yachtsman Chart Book) and I spend time noting my position and progress throughout a day’s sail. Learn and practice plotting your position by taking sightings and triangulation. Use GPS, Loran, or that numbered buoy coming up to verify your position is correct.
• Know Where The Shipping Lanes Are ~ On a gorgeous spring day’s sail I may only note one thing about my position. In or out of the shipping lanes. If I’m in a shipping lane, I'm on watch. If I want a carefree sail - - I don’t cross the shipping lanes, that simple. Often large ships take five miles for a panic stop, and right of way or not they can maneuver out of the channel to avoid you. If you see one in motion within five miles check your position. If he sounds a horn, double-check your position. If you hear five blasts determine who is in his way - - If it’s possible it’s you start the motor and move. Note: Crossing the dredged channel in mid San Pablo Bay is prohibited for just this reason.
• Avoid Big Wave Shallows ~ Shallow water forces the energy of a sea swell that is below the surface up as it enters shallow areas. The Berkley circle has a notorious summer afternoon chop, which can be avoided by staying west in deeper water. Beware of similar large areas of shallow water on the Bay or Monterey Bay to avoid a rough ride.
• Keep The Outboard Happy ~ The outboard on your trailerable sailboat should keep in top condition. It’s part of your primary safety equipment. If I determine that I’m pushing my skills beyond their limit or conditions are making someone else aboard uncomfortable. I’ll strike the sails and motor on in.

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