What's this backstay fitting for?

[Centennial]

I recently purchased a 1990 MacGregor 26S. Can someone tell me what this fitting is for?
It is attached to the backstay about 8 feet above the cockpit floor.

[Bob McLellan]

Looks like they used it for holding the boom out of the way when at anchor. Mine is held on with with the same type of connection that secures the thimble on the shrouds.

[Tomfoolery]

Those things are also commonly used for flag halyards. By any chance, is there a small line from near the top of the mast, or a block with no line through it? The backstay is the traditional location for the yacht ensign or flag.

[FinallySailing]

Hello Centennial,

welcome to the board and congrats on your 26S. Looking forward to hearing all about your future adventures, on the water and modding. I think, it is called a shroud cleat, and I think its used to fix halyards for flags and other bits onto shrouds or stays.

Fair winds,

FS

[The-strikes]

I have the same cleat. With two clips on my topping lift and I hook one to the boom, and the other to this cleat. Then I clip the main sheet to the port side and pull it snug so the boom moves to the center and doesn't flap around. It's a great way to lift the boom out of your way for extended motoring.