It is funny what you don't notice! I never noticed that photo doesn't have spreaders with upper shrouds!
I wonder if it was after 1974 that that rig was added... I have a '74 V21 (#712) and it has both shrouds. It also has been modified at the deck edge with stainless strips for attaching the upper strouds. That are mounted just like the originals, perpendicular to the centerline at the mast base. There is also an apparent repair to the cabin top at the mast base where it tore the glass...I'd now guess in a demasting with the original lower shroud-only rigging. Maybe there was an issue with the original design...or someone was using larger sails...or had deck rot issues at the tabernacle? Hmmmm...maybe a newer replacement mast was bought after the change...
Another thing I notice in the brochure photos is the sail plan:
http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=137
They are rigged as a cutter with a second shorter, mid-mast forestay and are running a small jib on that inner stay, not the longer one attached at the bow. It is a small jib and looks to be designed for that setup...and the associated sketch shows a spinnaker flying from the mast top. Does anyone sail using both forestays in a cutter sail plan, say with a 110 or larger genoa on the forward stay?
Thanks!