Andrew Price explains how to use a gin pole and assemble tackle to raise and lower a sailboat mast. This is a 30' mast on an O'Day 26, and the gin pole was made for the length from the base of the mast to the forestay chainplate. A boom vang or mainsheet fiddle block & tackle with cam cleat assembly is used for smooth and effortless easing of the mast upright or backward to the stern railing or mast crutch.