You should be able to remove the stanchions from the deck. Perhaps you could try using a car jack attached to a loop of rope at the top of the stanchion or perhaps a clamp on the stanchion. My suggestion: Leave the aft stanchions alone at 18 inches above the deck and cut 6 inches off the bottom of the forward stanchions, leaving the class minimum of 12 inches above the deck. Some people attach whiffle balls next to the forward stanchion to help the jib around.

:: The stanchions on my boat are still stock length and
:: catch the sail as we tack.
::
:: I can not remove the stanchions to cut them. How do you
:: do that or can I cut the top and put a cap on top?
::
:: Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
::
:: Thanks,

:: Curt