Foldable mast enables easier adjustments and access

10 Aug 2017

The Balpha Mast has been developed to be easily raised or lowered

A new foldable mast system will make rigging adjustments, maintenance, repairs, winter storage and transportation easier.

The Balpha Mast has been developed to be easily raised or lowered to avoid heavy weather damage.

Inventor Stuart Balfour developed the mast in collaboration with carbon mast designer Ceilidh Composite Technologies and naval architect Dick Koopmans.

After being fitted onto a 7m traditional Shetland model boat in the Netherlands, the aluminium prototype was tested by Scotland-based Stuart Balfour and his brother Ewen on a journey from Hellevoetsluis to Amsterdam.

The journey was selected for its difficult navigation with a large mast. The vessel also went to the Oosterdok after arriving at Amsterdam Marina and was reported to have navigated both waterways with ease.

The Balpha Mast system will be launched during the HISWA boat show in Amsterdam, beginning 29 September.

via Boating Business | Foldable mast enables easier adjustments and access.