LaVidaLoca:
The original mast from the 80's into the early 2000's did not have the plastic channel guards on them.
So one way to deal with it, is to remove the existing U.V. damaged poly bits and then make each side of the channel smooth.
Probably best done with the mast down..but in a chair you could at least carefully run your hand along each edge and deal with sharp bits..
bob pattison
Neil Pryde Sails.