Thanks for the advice, it is definately the jib halyard that the battens are getting caught on because the pulley is out from the mast. THe idea of attaching the wire in close to the mast sounds good. Maybe because it is winter here and the breeze is light i will continue to get caught up. Spring is not far away and the afternoon sea breeze will kick in regularly. I'm just keen to get out there.
Until spring i will continue to blow the ice off the tramp on the way to the beach.

Cheers again Daveb