Hi Roger, just to let you know that your solution for unsticking masts (waaay back in the old posts) worked for yet another mast, got mine apart in less than 2 minutes. It is pretty freaky to exert that much pressure on the mast at first.
I didn't hear any sand crunching but it worked nonetheless. I have printed the solution off and keep with my gear just in case.
Also, I find all the planing, footstrap and harness posst useful at my stage of sailing.