The challenge of being able to lower the mast on a small yacht to get beneath bridges and access under other low obstacles is an age old problem. Addressing this matter, a new rigging programme allows the Balpha Mast to be lowered and raised during cruising easily and safely using a boom strut to hold the boom in place.
Working together, Balpha Mast and Barton Marine have made technical improvements and advancements to refine the core apparatus and the carbon fibre mast system now has UK and US patents in place.
“Our technical plan was to create the most simple and user-friendly rigging programme so that virtually anyone can swiftly lower and raise the mast to make sailing more of a joy for those restricted by bridges or transporting their sailing craft by trailer,” explained Suzanne Blaustone, Barton Marine CEO. “We are proud that we accomplished this using Barton Marine equipment, including our new Barton block range, boom strut and deck gear to enhance the Balpha Mast design.”
Quality hardware
“Our new technical partnership with Barton Marine will accelerate Balpha Mast in global sales and production,” explained Stuart Balfour, Balpha Mast inventor and MD. “Barton Marine’s quality deck hardware and vast experience can provide the optimum package for our unique foldable mast system and we look forward to building on this relationship.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p3g2fU-oRE
Hardware has been specified by Barton Marine for the complete rigging system, allowing the Balpha Mast to be installed on multiple size yachts up to 8.5m. Key to the Balpha Mast program is the stainless-steel mast housing which can be adapted for use with the Barton Boomstrut which controls the boom under sail.
