The only thing thats probably keeping that mast in one piece is the dude hanging off the back.
Nope. The trapeze is not tied higher than the side stay AFAIK.
even though you are correct about the location of the trap tang, wouldn't someone on the rear beam help to act as a backstay?
No, if the mast goes it will break higher than the stay attachment. The main sail leech acts as a backstay because it holds the top of the mast.
