Thanks Jake, I thought about that, and was going to mention my reasons for not considering it. FR is a 24' x 14', 800 lb boat on a BIG mountain lake, known for big stuff blowing in fast, and not always with shelter near at hand. My big concern with masthead hooks is the potential for not being able to quickly and reliably release the main, and get it down fast should conditions warrant. I'm often sailing solo, and in gnarly conditions I can't be away from the helm for more than about30 seconds before very bad things begin to happen. I have masthead hooks on the 3 other cats, and lots before as well, and I still have occasions where I can struggle to get a quick release.
So that's my reservation about hooks as a solution to this problem. Appreciate your input, as always!
Asking beachcat sailors about rope clutches may no be my most promising avenue for advice. Thoughts on other venues?

Dave