After reading several of the other forums about how to separate masts we found that none of the methods worked to well.

We tried everything but it didn't seem to work. At one stage we had a total of 4 booms on the mast with 6 people Bouncing, Pulling, Twisting and tapping we still couldn't get the mast apart.After reading about Bubs's method with soaking in detergent,we left it soak all night and tried again in the morning.

We were still struggling so we attached some thick rope with neoprene at the base and looped the other end of the rope to the towbar of the car. With a series of jerks and tapping of the joint with a rubber handled screwdriver we saw some movement. Persisting with this we eventually got the mast apart and found half of the beach in there.

Much happiness from everyone involved.
Good Luck With Yours!