Don't worry about the knots. This setup has been in use many years and the knots have proven to be up to the job. The cleat on the mast however is a different matter. Removed is and put back in its place or eyestrap (saddle). Don't use the flared eyestraps however but the solid fully rounded ones.

Just tie the downhaul line off to this eyestrap by running the line through it two times time (one wrap around) and then using a slip knot (a least 2 in a row). This will hold up perfectly and the slip knot will allow you to easily and quickly undo the line when you're done with sailing, even when alot of tension has been on the line.

This setup has also been tested for the last 3 years and works absolutely without problems. It is also bettter than the hook and line system. Sometimes the hook straightens out on you when enough tension is put on the line.

So my system is : line out of mast, block permanently on the tack of the sail. Run line through this block and tie it of the the eyestrap (saddle) using at least two slip knots. Best system I have ever used and interestingly enough also the cheapest.

Wouter