Mast Butt

The Pacific Cup race operates under, among other rules, the US Sailing Special Equipment Rules.  Under the Safety Equipment requirements, rule 2.6 states "A boat shall have the heel of a keel-stepped mast securely fastened to the mast step or adjoining structure".  Our J120 has a keel stepped mast that sits on a flange made of G10 fiberglass that can be adjusted fore and aft to affect mast rake.  Other than the weight of the mast (which is substantial) holding it on the flange, there is nothing else securing it in place.  Looks like this:

One way to secure the mast would be to put some screws through the base of the mast into the flange, but I don't know how far the flange extends up inside the mast.  To know that for sure you'd have to lift up the mast (an expensive and time consuming process that would require a trip to the boat yard). So, we decided on plan "B".  I had two SS metal L brackets fabricated at Svend's metal shop - 1" wide, 1.25" on each leg, 3/8" thick.  I then used the bolts that hold the mast flange to secure the L brackets.  Tapped two 1/4" holes in the mast to secure a padeye and then lashed everything together with some 1/4" spectra line - thru a D shackle on the L brackets to avoid chafe.  Looks like this now:

When it's time to pull the mast, just remove the lashing and padeye from the side of the mast and you're good to go.  Mast butt secure now.  Check off requirement 2.6!