Hi Gordon, there is quite often forum discussions on mast options, try hunting through some of the recent forum threads. I am surprised someone from the UK hasn't chimed in already.

I guess you are looking for help (and friendly contacts)  in the UK. Many of our members do not follow the forum, so your best bet is to search on the directory (see menu at the left of the website homepage, members area. If you search the "Membership list (online and printable) you should be able to find contact details for  members in your area. After that, I expect "word of mouth" will lead you to some person or persons who can be helpful contacts.

You can use the search bar to enter United Kingdom - that narows it down to about 180. I tried the key word "south hamp" and got five results. Not familiar with UK geography I leave the rest to you.

By the way, we have a highly regarded professional sailmaker here in New Zealand who specialises in designing rigs and making sails, with his own sail loft, and he has clients all over the world and a high reputation for workmanship. If you want a new sail made professionally, you might try contacting Paul Thompson, he is in the membership directory.

Hope that helps. (Be sure to take photos and report back regarding your proposed refit, and how it works out.)

Hi Mr. Simon Foster, on the ybw forum, in April, there was a post about a person giving away a junk rigged Hurley 22. There were no takers so the boat was broken up . It might be worth a call to see if the mast ( an aluminium one ) is still available. I am useless with computers, so cannot direct the post, but it was in Granton harbour and the people to contact where: The Forth Corinthian club. I hope this is of some help. Best regards, Asim.

My new project this summer is to covert a 26 foot Colvic Sailor bilge keel boat into a Junk rig. As always, the most difficult part is finding a suitable mast.

Yes, I could build a wooden mast, or even find a suitable grown mast - but I am seeking something both lighter and more stable over the long term - ideally a tapered aluminium pole that could be adapted. 

The boat is currently in Port Talbot South Wales so I am confining my search to Britain. 

If anyone reading this has an idea where I might find a suitable aluminium pole I would be most grateful if you would share that idea on this thread.