Traditionally steadying sails are on slides and bronze or stainless steel track. Alumium in the thickness necessary is not practical. The use of track allows the sail to be deployed easily. Some vessels now are using roller furling--with a luff wire and a roller furling drum. This requires U V protection on the exposed part of the sail, typically Sunbrella. Hoops are rarely used today. The steadying sail should be very flat cut and can be loose footed (it is slightly easier to stow on the boom if it has track and slides on the boom. Some alumium masts and booms have luff grooves, either slugs (nylon) or bolt ropes are used in the grooves. (not recommended). Lashing could be used, but probably not recommended. The cheapest and easiest is sail track and slides. The easiest is the luff wire and roller furling. Bob Austin