I saw a picture where a Lady (maybe in Florida) had a long shackle in the down haul hole in the foot of the main, that made me think I might not have to re-thread the whole mess each time. I think rigging the main has contributed to the hull abuse.
I don't know how the 12:1 external is set up, but having to re-thread it sounds wrong. A shackle is one solution. Another way is to use two pieces of rope with plastic balls on it. Push a loop of one through the hole in the sail and feed the ball on the other through the loop. Pull tight.
Paul
