Abstract: A cantilever umbrella has an upstanding mast and a cantilever arm adapted to support a canopy. The mast has an interior region defined by a longitudinally extending channel with a longitudinally aligned opening extending from the interior to the exterior of the mast. A carriage resides within the channel and is adapted for travel within the channel. Raising the carriage within the channel causes the cantilever to transition to the open position, and lowering of the carriage causes the cantilever to transition to the closed position.