I'm building the same boat. Have a look at this site, its not mine but this
guy has recorded his progress and included some suggested variations which I
will be including in my boat.
http://www.pragdata.com/philboat/ConSpars.html

My boat will be named Clancy. You can see my progress at
http://au.geocities.com/k_walters_boat/

"Darwin" wrote in message
om...
My 12yo nephew is building a Weekender, described as a "23' gaff sloop
with a folding mast." His query: "How do you make the mast joint
strong enough so that when you hoist the sail you mast doesn't snap at
the joint?" Please advise.