Sorry about the crappy resolution but does anyone want to hazard a guess at what the hole is in my (NS38) mast just above and behind the top shroud fixing point. Looks like a permanent marker cross with a hole drilled in the middle for something. Perhaps a previous riggers mistake? Running back stays in a former life ?? - although I don't know why with very swept back spreaders already and back stay at the top.

Yeah, my vote would be runner attachment point.
Swept spreaders are good for a tight forestay but runners are better!

Edit: it's a bit far back though. During the spaghetti noodle masts of the IOR, the runners attached closer to the front so it induced a bit of twist into the rig when tensioned!

Is there one on the other side?

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UncleBob said..
Is there one on the other side?

Sorry I don't know if it's the same the other side. I just happened to be on a pier which facilitated a shot from starboard and didn't even notice the hole until I was looking at the shot after I got home. I'll have to check tomorrow. The texta or whatever it is around the hole seems to have survived remarkably well.