Masts:
To remove a mast, if you have no shears convenient, place another boat with a mast as tall, or taller than yours, close alongside, and lash her fast. Then place a sling round the mast to be removed in such a position as you think the stick will balance. To this hook in the throat halyards of the assisting boat. Remove the wedges, and if the fit in the partners is tight well-grease the houseings. Then send a man in forward with a sharp-edged bar and let him pry the heel out of the step as you hoist on the halyard. Use your own halyards as guys to steady the spar. Keep the spar steady; if allowed to fall over it will very likely split the partners. You can step a mast by reversing this method.