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Fitting Mainsail Sliders
Another nightmare is sailing single-handed, or with a novice at the helm, then trying to raise and (more importantly) lowering the mainsail in a bit of a blow when it all has to be done quickly and from the base of the mast. I can be quick, but sometimes not that quick, and the sail is soon out of control whilst on it’s way down.  My mainsail was fitted with a bolt rope and the rope fits into the groove of the mast.  I decided fitting plastic sliders was the order of the day, and being one who looks for a challenge (it comes from a lifetime of competitive rowing, maintaining my MGB and BSA motorbikes as well as being tight-arsed) I decided I could do it myself.
I bought a brass eyelet kit with punch and die, and 13 (my lucky number) plastic sliders and shackle clips.
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1
Mark the holes centres at 450mm using a marker.
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Use a soldering iron with small tip. This will leave the edges sealed.
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Cut the hole (try not to drink too much the night before - a steady hand helps!)
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Remove the cut-out leaving the sealed edge. Hole can be enlarged if required, using the iron.
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Press the eyelet into place
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Fit the 2nd ring over the ferrule
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Gently tap the punch (make sure the die is positioned under the eyelet first)
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The finished eyelet.
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Attach the nylon shackle clip which holds the slider.