Upper Shroud Extenders?

[Bob Pingel]

I recently worked on two boats with 15" "extenders" in the uppers. On one boat the extenders are essentially long toggles, on the other the sections of wire are held together with aircraft eyes and forks. Both boats have deck stepped masts with pivoting steps.

I suspect the extenders have something to with stepping the mast, but I can't quite see it.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

Bob