My 26x was launched about mid-May. It has been used frequently, but not in adverse conditions. The mast was installed by the dealer, including stays and shrouds. It was raised only twice. The boat was kept at a bouy all summer in this inland lake. Recently, mid-August, with the main up and while the genoa jib was being unfurled, the main came crashing down. It ripped appart at the middle where the lower shroud tang bolt goes through the mast. The mast bent / folded at this middle point so that the middle went off to starboard, while the bottom was fixed to the cabin and the top came straight down. All six stays and shrouds remained attached. The winds during this event were calm, 5 to 6 knots. Has anyone else experienced a mast which split in similar circumstances or would otherwise like to comment. Please reply here but also copy me at swcampen@msn.com. I'm concerned that the cause may have been metal fatique and do not know how to eliminate the occurance from happening again on the replacement mast. I noticed that the upper shrouds were firmly attached to the spreaders, rather than passing through an end fitting but allowing movement through the spreader end. Is this normal or improper? What else may have caused the failure? I'm interested in all theories. The dealer response has been great. They had several masts in stock and are in process of attaching the hardware from the old mast to the new one. They then intend to erect the new mast and observe for causes of the failure, if any are observable. In any case, I pick up a boat ready to sail again next week.