Gary wrote:
Thinking further about this question, why would the mast come down if
the main parted?

Because of the compression load from the spinnaker.

... Presumably, when the main is eased all the way out
when running, it doesn't provide any support to the mast.

Possible, but I doubt it on these boats. Most of the A-sail boats I've
been on, or seen go by, never eased the main out more than about a foot
past the gun'l, except in light air.


... The sail and
mainsheet will only provide support when close-hauled. It is the
shrouds and aft swept spreaders that keep the mast up.

Another issue is that this particular boat (and a number of other
sportboats) have a frac rig & a mast head spinnaker. The top section of
the mast is unsupported except by the main leach, which might not matter
under many conditions... but in 30 knot winds?

... I don't think
the rig would come down with no main up. If it did, I wouldn't have one.


I can see your point, but if you wanna go fast, you have to make
compromises.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King