Introduction -- Jeff Rutledge

Hi all,
New member here from the ATL. I purchased what I believe is a 1978 Force 5 (HIN AMF59389M78C) late last summer. I had spent most of my sailing time in keel boats (racing and cruising) from a wet slip on Lake Lanier, then started having kids and sold the keel boats. Now getting back into sailing with this Force 5. The boat is a little rough with scratches, but lots of fun.
Many times we left and returned to the wet slip under sail, but learning how to launch a boat from a trailer without auxiliary is a new experience with a learning curve.

I have been a member for a few months, but along with an intro, I am also at a point that I need assistance. Not sure if this is okay with the intro, please let me know if I need to post this part elsewhere...
Today was my first outing of the year. I was excited as my family has been isolating hardcore during this pandemic. At the ramp I got in a hurry and made a mistake that was 100% my fault. I snagged a tree branch with the mast and sail up. This middle section of the mast broke at the collar rivet holes and ripped about 8 inches radially of the sail sleeve. Needless to say it was very embarrassing and frustrating. Now I have to pay my idiot tax to get the boat sailing again, but before I make more wrong choices, I am hoping the veteran owners on this site can help me point me the right direction for my next steps.
*how do I replace the middle mast section?
*what all should I inspect for unknown damage?
*should I replace the sail? and if so where? not racing this boat any time soon

Oh forgot to add I used to do RC and PRO our weekly sailing club races. It's been a while but could always volunteer if needed in my area.
~Jeff

Hi Jeff,
I am not a veteran owner. I bought my 1974 Force 5 last year. But in my job I have to do with metal and aluminum extrusion profiles.
The middle section of the mast is just a complete round aluminum profile. You can be lucky, that it is not a special mast profile with a groove, like other boats have. So you are probably successful if you find a dealer for aluminum profiles. If there is a standard profile available that fits, the replacement should not be too expensive. The only thing that you have to do is to cut it and to mount the end bar with the rivet.
Good luck
Peter from Germany

Hi Jeff,
I am also new to Force 5s. If you are interested in a new sail, I have seen an inexpensive one at www.intensitysails.com/gearforforce5.html
They are currently showing a "sale" price of $159. I have not used this sail but I think they have a decent reputation. This sail may not be legal for races, I don't know one way or the other.
Jeff in NH 1986 FF