Some of the usual arrangements are to have a topping lift of wire, or covered wire, or spectra, or.... this topping lift will be terminated with an eye and shackle, swage eye, bowline or.... at the masthead, and then have a single or double block attached to the bottom end of the lift. The length of the fixed portion of the lift should be such that the block is 1' above the boom or so when the lift is alongside the mast. A bit shorter than the P measurment is usually just about right. The topping lift control is then a line secured to the end of the boom, lead up through the block on the lift and back to either a block on the boom and then foward external, or to a sheave in the boom end and forward internal, or any combination you please. Other boats use a small block and tackle of ,say, 4 to 1 avantage, with v-jam cleats to adjust , or just a lashing, but I prefer the control to be adjustable on all points of sail by leading it forward.
You can of course rig the lift however you like as long as its easy for you to use. Thats a big part of the fun in boats.
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Brian Duff
BVI Yacht Sales, Tortola
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