Gidday Brett,

We have all been there !!!

The forestay should have a length of rope (3mm spectra) attached to the end about 1 metre long. this is passed through the bridle ring and back through the eyelet in the forestay a number of times and is used to adjust the rig tension. I use a 4 or 5 half hitches to secure it. It looks like a weak link, but I have never seen one let go in 25 years.

It sounds as though you have a sloop rig and the 4 thinner wires will be the trapeze. The metal ring arrangement sounds like a no fuss non adjustable system.

You mentioned that the mast 'slotted into its base' does this arrangement allow it to rotate?

The method I use to raise the mast is to face the boat downhill and attach the shrouds. either have someone walk the mast up to the back beam then pull on a trap wire to get the mast up and tie off the forestay. Alternatively (and not the best for the boat <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />) simply keep walking the mast up and across the tramp until it is up - It is best to use the lightest person you can if doing this.

Remember that each person has their way of getting the stick up - tha main thing to remember is to ensure all that rope and wire is not going to catch on anything when it is half way up!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Best thing is to watch a couple of people.

Enjoy!!