Mastmate and Goblin--The Fastest Solo Way Up the Mast

 The Ladder. My 30-year old Mastmate is easy and fast to climb if:

• Roll-up with the steps folded down. In this way they fall open nicely when hoisting and do not catch on the spreaders.
• Wear deck shoes and rubber-coated gloves.
• Haul your tools with a rope after you are up.
• Pretension with the down haul so that it does not stretch when you step.

Fall Protection. I use a Camp Goblin on a spare halyard. It glides up and down the rope unattended, but catches in a fall. Rated for this use, not an adapted ascender or belay device. You can see it floating near my knee (it must be extended on a short sling to give freedom of movement.