Mainsail came down during sailing

[Ltfdrebbin]

Similarly, I have sailed with a hank on main. I prefer the furling one on my boat, and it's endless reefing points. I do agree with you that this is a subject that will proabbly always be disagreed over.

I'm sure the OP is not going to sell his boat and choose a different one because of either one of our opinions. He's stuck right now and needs some helpp.

[Sailingbluew]

This is the attachment point that I chaffed off. See picture. Can't see why it would chaff here though.

[Ltfdrebbin]

I agree that you should not see any chafe there. I think you should go up your mast and look at the top of the slot in it and see where it is rubbing and what caused the chafing. Also, check that shackle, but I doubt that is it.

Sam

[Bullshooter]

No one suggested that if there is a suitable bridge nearby, in calm weather he could maybe inspect the top of the mast using a bridge and a helper.

Or maybe there is a reason that is not a good idea. How tall of a mast (how big of a boat) are we talking about here?