Yacht Essentials

climbing a yacht mast?

Is going up a yacht mast by either climbing or using a bosun's chair an essential skill to have if you are going to own a 45ft yacht? I'm not a big fan of heights, but what would one do if they had problems with their sail/mast?

I've been on sailboats for a very long time and I've never personally need to go up a mast. I've stepped and un-stepped over 1000, most of which I rigged before stepping. On a few occasions I've hoisted other sailors in a bosun's chair, and I wouldn't recommend you go up, if you have problems with heights. You can usually find a volunteer to go up, when necessary. The only exception to this is for those on around the world cruises, then you will need to be equipped and practice doing this, both solo, and with a crew.