Sand and Varnish. Repeat.

The mast, boom and gaffe are called 'spars,' and they're part of what constitutes the brightwork in our boat.  Epoxy seals them to water, but epoxy breaks down when exposed to UV light.  So that's why we varnish after we've sealed them.  The spars now have about 4 coats of varnish on them, having been sanded in between coats.  It's tough work for a perfectionist, I say.  We did the same thing for the keel piece.