No, “mast stepping” is not a dance you do on the deck of a sailboat. It’s the job of hoisting and placing the mast, which on Wayfinder is “deck stepped.” That means the mast rests on a plate right on the fiberglass decking.

This is a tricky job at St. Francis Marine, as it requires pulling the boat within a few millimeters of the factory. We had very high winds, and so the process was tense, but everything was handled perfectly, and now she’s ready to go sailing.

First, the boat comes out of the shed. Jaco and me with Wayfinder.

Next, the mast is counterweighted and hoisted.

High winds made this tense, but the boys did an amazing job.

Now the boat is pulled into place.

The crane was designed for a 44′ boat, and so the 50 has to get right up to the factory.

Now the mast is inched into place.

Duncan watches his latest creation come to life.

Anton, who played a pivotal role in bringing this boat together.

Running backstays keep the mast from tipping forward or side to side.

Now she’s stepped. Note the rigger at the lower spreader.

The sails are bent on next.

And the boat is ready to go in the water.

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