Capt. Neal® wrote:
A sailboat that suffers a dismasting simply because one swage lets
go is not a worthy vessel.

??? It's more a reflection on the maintenance than on the vessel.

... There should be at least two lower shrouds
per side to hold the mast if and when an upper shroud lets go. This
will allow the mast to survive provided the helmsman is on the ball
and takes action to head the boat up or off to save the mast.

No it won't unless the boat is underpowered, and the mast a sewer pipe.
Double lowers eliminate the adjustability of the rig and add compression
& windage, plus they clutter up the deck and make it a poorer working area.



Racers are more concerned with speed than safety and seamanlike
behavior.

Not necessarily. Many (most) racers are skillful enough to accomplish
all three at once.


... Racers are not real sailors.

Spoken like somebody who's not a good enough sailor to race.

DSK