Hi Jeff : Have you actually tried using the the slide (slug )& line & ring ? I di & it didnt work ! I also used a 6'x1" aluminum bar with slides on it . I attached the top of the aluminun bar to the ring shackle & the lower end with a shackle to the head of the smaller sail ,. The 2 slides on the alum bar hold the unit close to the mast in the slide track . It goes up 100% of the time & the halyard ring locks on the halyard lock .However, it's a frustrating hit & miss for release & coming down !
I plan to use the standard halyard ring for the top of the smaller sail ,raise it up high enough that the foot of the sail can be secured to the boom & tie the halyard off on a mast cleat . If there is damage to the plastic shiv at the top of the mast I will replace it with a matal shiv .... Thanks for the suggestion ! Bill