This is a nice trick courtesy of Brett.

Get 2" PVC (plumbing) end-caps and cut an 'X' through the edges with a hand saw. They then slip on over the now exposed inboard leading edge. This helps any crushing or deforming of the leading edge (disastrous!)

If you don't cut the 'X' in it, they aren't flexible enough to fit on (without causing damage).

Mine fit on so snug that I don't even tape them on....the sail gets folded over them anyways to help keep them in place.