For one thing, with swept back spreaders you
can't let the main all the way out. The Cheetah
is also faster downwind on a broad reach than
a run. Tacking downwind is the norm. So the
main would probably not be out all the way. Also
forward pressure of the sail is conteracted by
mainsheet tension.

"Gary" wrote

Thinking further about this question, why would the mast come down if the
main parted? Presumably, when the main is eased all the way out when
running, it doesn't provide any support to the mast. The sail and
mainsheet will only provide support when close-hauled. It is the shrouds
and aft swept spreaders that keep the mast up. I don't think the rig
would come down with no main up. If it did, I wouldn't have one.

Gary