mast retention system

If you have a line run thru the eyes of the deck fitting and up over the vang tang to keep the mast in place in the event of a capsize, it is fairly easy to get into a capsize situation where the mast rotates 180 deg or more which can cause bending/failure of the deck fitting. Why not allow a loose-fitting SS ring to be slid over the mast, resting on the tang. Tie each end of the retention line around the ring and I think the problem would be solved.

However, there is still a problem if the control lines are cleated. Extreme mast rotation can cause bending of the deck fitting. I don't see a fix for this - except of course making sure the mast never can do a 360.
 
If you have a line run thru the eyes of the deck fitting and up over the vang tang to keep the mast in place in the event of a capsize, it is fairly easy to get into a capsize situation where the mast rotates 180 deg or more which can cause bending/failure of the deck fitting. Why not allow a loose-fitting SS ring to be slid over the mast, resting on the tang. Tie each end of the retention line around the ring and I think the problem would be solved.

However, there is still a problem if the control lines are cleated. Extreme mast rotation can cause bending of the deck fitting. I don't see a fix for this - except of course making sure the mast never can do a 360.

Don't run them through both eyes. Tie one to the eye and the other end around the vang tang. It allows rotation but not the full twist.
 
I run a shockcord system which permits enough movement for no deformation of the deck fitting, but tight enough to prevent the mast coming out with more than 360 degree rotation. Most of the boats I've measured run systems where the retaining line permits sufficient rotation (retricted by their mainsheet length) of their mast without deformation of the deck fittings. So it seems that the issue is with how your setting up the retention line.
 

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I run a shockcord system which permits enough movement for no deformation of the deck fitting, but tight enough to prevent the mast coming out with more than 360 degree rotation. Most of the boats I've measured run systems where the retaining line permits sufficient rotation (retricted by their mainsheet length) of their mast without deformation of the deck fittings. So it seems that the issue is with how your setting up the retention line.

As a matter of interest, what is the little white line tied to the bottom of the vang block?

And I assume this is a picture of your shock cord setup, what do you use to secure the line after it passes thru the fitting on the deck? I have a problem tying knots in shock cord and having them hold, or at least doing so and being able to untie them at the end of the day.
 
I tie a line (thin spectra) around the mast above the vang key (bowline), this way it can rotate freely and keeps the mast in the step even in the most extreme capsizes, the mast shouldn't be rotating around 360 degrees when rigged anyway, the cunningham, outhaul and main sheet should keep it from doing so.
 
As a matter of interest, what is the little white line tied to the bottom of the vang block?
Just a retaining line for the snail clip holding the vang pin. I've seen a few pop out and it's permitted under Rule 24. Basically it just means the clip doesn't accidently go overboard.

And I assume this is a picture of your shock cord setup, what do you use to secure the line after it passes thru the fitting on the deck? I have a problem tying knots in shock cord and having them hold, or at least doing so and being able to untie them at the end of the day.

It's a simple triangular loop with the ends tied together using a double (or maybe a triple) fishermans knot. Triples work better for shockcord (an extra coil).
 

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