[rikhall]

John

My advice is to listen to sailortjk1.

Because I quite enjoy going up the mast, I do not have first hand knowledge of the fear of climbing. My good buddy, a much younger, much more fit policeman would buy me a case of single malt before he would climb as far as you have. Each to his own - he can break up the bar fights on Saturday night - I can climb the mast.

Holes are good in Swiss cheese, on a boat, limit the number you have. Get a teenage that likes to go sailing with you. For he or she, going up the mast will be a lark. Run that new wire - it probably needs to be replaced anyway.

You will get the mast climbed, you will get better reception on the radio and you will not have to climb.

Oh, BTW (by the way) send your digital camera up with the climber. Have the climber take five or six picture of every single connection, every halyard block, every stay and shroud tang, everything at the top. Then, in the comfort of your computer chair you can inspect the entire mast and all accouterments. And yes - lots of pictures, from every angle or everything.

Cheers

Rik