GLEN JUSTICE

Why is this guy hanging from the ceiling?

That's Etienne Giroire, the creator of the ATN Inc. Topclimber, a new-style bosun's chair that allows sailors to hoist themselves up the mast using their leg muscles. We haven't tested it, but it looks smart.

Using a pair of "jammers" (see below), the Topclimber is activated by standing up in the foot stirrups. This slides and locks the top jammer. You then sit in the Topclimber's seat and bring the bottom jammer up with your legs. It's a lot less complicated than it sounds — or at least Etienne makes it look easy, swinging above the crowd in the boat show tent. Check out Mad Mariner's Topclimber video.

The entire assembly can be locked in place, allowing the cliber to use both hands. It can also get the climber above the mast, allowing access to the mast head for maintenance or installations.

There are many solutions on the market that claim to make getting up the mast easier, or even a singlehanded endeavor. ATN's Topclimber, which costs $430, claims 10,000 units sold — a good reason to keep Etienne hanging around the boat show.

GLEN JUSTICE

GLEN JUSTICE