We were actually a little worried that the mast would go because the shrouds were loose

As I recall, you were sailing with the main only, so the rigging wasn't tensioned by the jib halyard. I like to get some tension on the forestay, and the way I found to do that was to put a quick-release shroud tensioner on it (West Marine model number 246167). This is an over center type fitting, and by combining it with a ball-detent quick-release pin the job of attaching and tensioning the forestay becomes quick & easy. Giles Morris Arlington VA Vancouver 25 "Dolphin" Montgomery 15 "Umiaq" Sundry small craft