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The cover plate for the track slot is missing. It covers the cutout and is fixed in place with a thumbscrew. You may be able to obtain a replacement at Rig Rite which still has access to parts for the spars used on the First Series. However, the lower most slug serves only modest purpose and can be held in place with a lacing. Essentially a line run from the tack cringle to and through the first track slide cringle, through the track slide loop, back through the slide cringle and then up and secured at the second track slide cringle. When the sail is at full hoist, the lacing is tight and holds the luff to the track. When reefed, the lacing is slack and allows the reefing cringle to be pulled down and placed over the reef hook. With this, the cover plate on the track slot is unnecessary. (Frankly, I suspect the previous owner would simply pull the pin, drop the first track slide below it, and reinsert the pin when reefing as it would be easy enough to reinsert the slide when shaking out the reef.)
In re: single line reefing, it looks better than it works and the line tends to chafe at the luff reef cringle. Several of our friends have tried and discarded the method.
FWIW...
s/v HyLyte
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"It is not so much for its beauty that the sea makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from the waves, that so wonderfully renews a weary spirit."
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