I think the boat in question was a double spreader, relatively light weight racing rig. The double spreaders do nothing for fore/aft stability. Us folks with the antique single spreader telephone poles are subject to the same physics, but have additional 'beef' in our favor. The racing rigs today have gone to 3 or 4 spreaders (I think I've seen 5), which again do nothing for fore/aft stability.
I think what I describe is an upwind vs downwind issue. I think the compressive loads in the mast are higher when on the wind (don't ask me how much - twice? Just a guess).
Todd, I think you (and I) are safe.