On Sun, 7 Oct 2007 21:22:48 -0700, "Lew Hodgett"
wrote:

"perfectly sound forestay" and "nicked forestay" are mutually
exclusive terms.

Yes, and your insurance company will be quick to point out that
difference if they are asked to pay for a dismasting. Most policies
have exclusions for incidents caused by lack of maintenance, etc., and
many companies are all to quick to look for ways to avoid paying a
major claim. It will be an interesting conversation when you start
explaining to the adjustors how you relieved the stress points on the
damaged strands by filing them down.