Hi fellow Laser2 sailors,
Looking for some advice.  The mast sections on my Laser 2 have been damaged where the two parts slide together, which is making hoisting the main impossible as the mainsail gets caught on the aluminum where it has been folded away. (see attached)
You can see the cracks in the images below.

I'm wondering if anyone has experienced similar issues and how you fixed them?  Can the mast be welded/brazed to rectify?
also, I notice that when the top section slides into the mast that it "almost" slides down to rest on the trapeze bolt (but doesnt rest on it) as it seems a few mm short.  Is this by design?  or is the top section supposed to rest on the bolt to prevent the load on the mast section from being damaged (as in my case?)

All advice/insight appreciated.
Thanks,
Luke