This is pure speculation on my part.
That’s entirely understandable. I made sure never to mess with the backstay too much in heavy winds; the boats I was sailing at the time were Kirby Sonars in Galveston. They had the batten issue, because the organization I sailed with were too cheap to buy backstay spreaders (don’t know the actual term for it). I just got a measurement specification from my local sailmaker, and they said I could have a full-batten rig that would clear the backstay just fine. I’ve done the math, though, and I’m thinking a full batten main won’t be of too much advantage. My boat is driven by the Genoa, so I don’t think having such a rugged main would be of much advantage. I also sail in high winds often, so that’s another reason to overlook the full batten option (besides cost).
