A big problem. After sailing in rough seas for a few regattas.....oops.... the left shroud slipped out of the swage fitting at the top of the mast. We de-masted in some very serious conditions. We were rescued before drifting into the surf which would have done some major damage to my boat and crew, my wife. The swage must have been improperly installed!!!!
In 22 years of sailing on a P16, P19, and H20 this has never happened (we usually sail in the ocean in 2 to 4 foot seas).
I was very lucky this time and the total damage to my boat was not to bad. My fore stay attachment bar was bent beyond safe repair and my traveler car was bent. I can most likely hammer the traveler car plate back into usable shape but the fore stay has to be replaced. Very luckily there was no damage to my sails either.
