Bend it like Beckham- mast bend before breakage!!

[Jon Stubbs]

Jeez, the carbon sticks are awesome!!
A good 20+ knots downwind on the Swan River. Kim Leunig sailing Snake Charmer had just dorked all of us and had a great lead. He had just taken out the Viper World Sailing Speed Record (flat water, 10 second average) of 19.9 knots.
Bang -  sidestay busts at spreader height. Mast bends.
Bang - Lower breaks at roll swage. Mast bends more.
Bang. - Mast blows out bolt at back of mast step. Mast bends some more.
Bang. - (Last one) Mast lifts deck around mast gate.
Whole mast folds over the side of boat still in one piece.
Time to head to the bar with another Viper story.

[John Park]

What about the one that had Kiss My Asp turn turtle and stand on its mast reaching in about 30kts

[Drew Harper]

sheeeeeeit.

Pics or it didn't happen ;-)