Gato

http://www.formula16.org/content/view/13/36/lang,en/

1.4.5 The weight that is measured at the mainsail hoist height of a mast lying perfectly horizontal with its base supported at the bottom edge of the mast section is referred to as the "mast tip weight". The minimum mast tip weight of a fully fitted mast, excluding standing rigging, is set at 6.00 kg for reasons of seaworthiness and to guarantee fair racing.


Standing rigging is defined as sides stays and forestay. All the rest remains on the mast, that includes for example shackles used to secure the stays to the hound fitting.


7.17 Standing rigging

All the stays connected to the mast, excluding the diamond wires.


Just as additional data; ISAF certified measurer has measured 7.8 - 8.2 kg tipweights on alu superwing F16 masts. Carbon masts typically are down to what is minimally allowed 6.0 kg although exceptions to this rule of thumb have been measured.


Taper won't help you much in the weight department, it can help in the way of sail shape control in thetop of hte mainsail however.

Wouter