I've aways set my boat up without the shroud plate hole being the deciding factor. I seek to achieve the maximum mast rake such that I'm block to block on the mainsheet when the wind strength is at a level that I'm just overpowered. So my critical factor is the adjustment of the forestay tie. The sh...

A simple metod which I have used is to cut one of the sides off the tensioner (so it is a L section rather than a T). You then insert it into the slot with the remaining side upwards. The lacing tension then holds it in place.

Robin, Your crack is almost identical to the crack in my mast along the edge of the weld which was sucessfully repaired by Sailspar. I also took Steve Sawford's mast with a similar crack for repair at the same time. I was told that the original welding causes the temper of the mast extrusion to soft...

Andrew, once the blade has been dissasembled from the stock (by whatever efforts) I suggest replacing the inner aluminium sleeves with the new plastic ones from Windsport. This is a permanent solution :D to the extremely common problem of corrosion between the stainless steel bolt and the aluminium ...