It is not necessary to drop the mast. If you have a bosun's chair I will go up the mast and install the new forestay. The two of us can do it in an hour. I apologize for not replying sooner as I usually do all I can to help new members, but other boat projects kept me tied up until now. Am also located in Sausalito and can meet you at your boat anytime. Frank Lawler-Tackful