.
I have had a week or so off from LF and computers to go and work as a
volunteer guide and ship keeper on board the replica of the HM Bark
Endeavour at Shoreham by Sea harbour. The purpose of bringing it up on the
this reflector was to express my admiration for the 1750s technology of the
wooden masts.
The main and fore masts are 128ft (39m) and 110ft (33.5m) high respectively
and constructed in three sections with a large overlap at the two joins.
There is a platform at each join called  'tops' for spreading the shrouds to
the higher sections of the mast.
The masts are guyed to the sides of the ship with very thick ropes called
'shrouds', to which thin horizontal 'ratlines' are fixed to make it easy for
the crew to go aloft.
I found going aloft was quite an experience. The shrouds are under
considerable tension and the feel more secure than climbing a ladder at the
side of the house. The exciting bit is climbing the overhang (futtock
shrouds) to get on to the tops. While I was up there the crew were setting
the fore mainsail on our minicruise. I think that I would have to be more
used to heights before going out on the yardarm, which must be very exciting
in heavy weather.
No, they wouldn't let me use the masts for a portable LF station.
There are some pictures on my web site.

Regards,
Peter, G3LDO

e-mail <[email protected]>

Web <http://web.ukonline.co.uk/g3ldo>