After trailer sailing for 22 years and single handedly raising and lowing the masts on multiple boats, it happened. It fell. I had raised it but something was jamming the furler above. I tightened the main sheet that temporarily holds the mast up and removed the pin from the furler. However, I had already removed the main sheet from the pulley on the bow. As I walked aft, the mast slowly started falling. I was able to grab the furled sail and control the fall so absolutely no damage occurred.
Looking at the situation, the mast could have bent the stern rail and/or pulled the tabernacle loose or out.
no damage to you or the boat. i call that a "win" it will more than likely happen to me one of these days
Oh, boy, Carl! That sounded scary -- so glad you and the boat are OK!
Not sure if you're back home yet from FL, but if not -- just wondered if you might stop to check out any other bodies of water to sail on before heading home?