Hi Karl.

I had a problem with mine when it was brand new that the side stay got caught in the diamond tang at the top. I would imagine it would break the tang or even rip it off the mast if you weren't careful. Wouldn't surprise me if that is what has happend to you.

Easy fix tho. Just took the wire off the mast and bashed the fork on the end of the wire closed a bit more. No more problem.