Nick,

Strange that it was the rear beam and not the front beam. It's usually the front beam that cracks due to corrosion around the inboard bolt followed by fatigue due to mast loading forces.

I had my front beam let go at the 2004 Vic state titles on Port Phillip Bay and resulted in tearing out the chainplate with part of the hull followed by the deck parting from the hull. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

If you think that the front and rear beams are of the same vintage replace them both. I used plenty of Duralac between the SS striker plate strap and the Aluminium beam.

Regards,

Peter

p.s. How did you go in the rest of the regatta ?