Ok, everybody seems to agree on the pole :-)
But the loop is already in place, so that would mean to shorten the rigging? Just to be absolutely sure (do not want to make more damage the necessary) please see the below pic. Is this the way to do that? (please do not look at everything else, this is an old picture with old snuffer bag, without self tacker, and with totally different setting)


Please enlarge the picture (right mouse button) to read the text

Maybe a stupid question, but why not move up, by replacing the "spi bracket" (how is the thing called up in the mast?)

And pirate, no did not photoshop ;-) Indeed there are two paddles there which were obligated with a long distance race (Texel), and we've never took them off, after.