Skipper’s tips: silence the topping lift

Ever been awakened in the small hours at anchor by a wretched thrumming sound that goes right through the boat and right through you as well? Ten to one the breeze has ratcheted up a notch and the topping lift is vibrating. You need to silence it. It’s natural to heave down hard on the mainsheet once the lift is on, just to keep the boom still, but the tension is stretching the cordage like a guitar string. Let the sheet off a bit and all will be stillness and joy. If the boom is flopping around, just tie it across to something until morning.