Hi Mark

I made a mast gate for sliders on my old 26X, and I've done the same on my current 19. I had an idea I'd posted about it, but that would have been on the old web site and I think it must have disappeared in the move. But I've found the photos, which I've attached here.

As you can see, it involves cutting a piece out of the side of the mast channel just long enough for a slider. You need a Dremel or similar tool with a mini cutting wheel. The cutout piece is attached to a strip of aluminium - preferably angle to give it some rigidity - and the strip can be removed by loosening two screws tapped into the mast.

The piece is also secured to the strip with a tapped screw. All screws must be filed down short so they don't protrude into the channel and foul the sliders.

The best way to do it is to drill and cut the strip first - you need a hole in the middle and slots at each end - then drill and tap the holes in the mast to attach it. Finally take it off and cut the removable piece out, which you can then attach to the strip. This will guarantee that it goes in perfectly aligned.

The cord is simply a safety line to avoid dropping it when inserting the sail. I also recommend tying a piece of cord through the hole in the removable piece when cutting it out. It's very likely to fly off as you finish the cut!

You can also close the expanded part of the channel used for feeding a bolt rope. All it needs is firm application of a wooden mallet. Don't be nervous, you can hit it pretty hard! This means the slugs can drop right down to the goose neck when the sail is lowered.

To work out where to position the gate, measure how much height the slugs take when all stacked together, and measure this height above the goose neck. Then make the gate an inch or two higher, this will allow you to drop all the slugs into place without having to fiddle about.

I hope this helps - have fun!