I am concerned about the B&R rig on my 456. It scares me on a long downwind leg that the pressure being put on the vertical shrouds must be tremendous since there is no backstay. Should I worry or not? How about if I add a code zero or an inner forestay and a staysail?
B&R Rig
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I have provided several links and a definition which may help too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd6B_7jwKQs&feature=player_embedded
http://www.sailingmagazine.net/boats/3-perry-on-design/94-bergstrom-and-ridder-38
B & R rig – a standing rigging configuration consisting of 30-degree sweptback spreaders, discontinuous shrouds and reverse diagonals. The 120-degree angles between the shrouds and forestay form a triangle that evenly spreads the mast’s load and eliminates the need for a backstay. The B & R rig allows for the use of a small diameter mast that offers better aerodynamics than a conventional mast. The absence of a backstay allows for a more efficient mainsail with unlimited roach for increased performance and easier jibing. On the other hand, the considerable sweep of the spreaders restricts how far the boom can be let out when running, and there is an increased possibility of mainsail chafe. The eponymous B & R rig was developed in the 1960s for use on short-handed, around-the-world yachts by the design team of Lars Bergström and Sven-Olof Ridder.
Since this is a rig developed for race boats and utilized by some today, I don't think you should worry about the design integrity of a B&R compared to other rigs. However, to put yourself at ease, contact a local respected rigger and have them inspect your rig taking into consideration your concerns. Well worth the couple of hundred dollars for your peace of mind.
I have provided several links and a definition which may help too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd6B_7jwKQs&feature=player_embedded
http://www.sailingmagazine.net/boats/3-perry-on-design/94-bergstrom-and-ridder-38
B & R rig – a standing rigging configuration consisting of 30-degree sweptback spreaders, discontinuous shrouds and reverse diagonals. The 120-degree angles between the shrouds and forestay form a triangle that evenly spreads the mast’s load and eliminates the need for a backstay. The B & R rig allows for the use of a small diameter mast that offers better aerodynamics than a conventional mast. The absence of a backstay allows for a more efficient mainsail with unlimited roach for increased performance and easier jibing. On the other hand, the considerable sweep of the spreaders restricts how far the boom can be let out when running, and there is an increased possibility of mainsail chafe. The eponymous B & R rig was developed in the 1960s for use on short-handed, around-the-world yachts by the design team of Lars Bergström and Sven-Olof Ridder.
Don't
Don't worry and plenty B&R sailboats out sailing with no problems with out back stay for many years.
Nick
Don't worry and plenty B&R sailboats out sailing with no problems with out back stay for many years.
Nick
They have their limitations, but B&R rigs are generally well thought out. If its in good shape you probably just fine. Backstay-less boats are becoming more and more common, with the advent of square-top mainsails.
Have never had a problem running downwind. Certainly not an efficient point of sail as we can't get the boom out too far. Here is a picture of MJS4 (H44) with our version of Wing on Wing. Traveler is fully eased and boom is as far out as we can get it without the sail hitting the spreaders.
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It's OK if your sail touches the spreaders... just put a dacron spreader-patch on the sail to prevent wear.
A little more vang will also help keep the sail flatter and off the sail. You boom is way high in that picture.
I have had the B&R rig on my past three Hunter boats (35.5, 380 and 27). Brion Toss in Port Townsend tuned my H380 B&R rig and said it was his choice of rig to go to sea with. Standard rigs if not tuned properly will "pump" and eventually break--this happened to me with a Ranger 32. My B&R rigs never pump.
However, another point to consider is that with a standard (classic) mast rig, you need to have a tight fore and aft stays, much like a bow and arrow. You're literally pulling the ends of the boat up. Or, perhaps we're pushing the mast into the boat. Interesting speculation here.
I like the B&R rig and especially main sail furling. For an old guy who like to sail by himself, unfurling the main is a piece of cake. And I rarely go straight downwind. Much more fun to sail 120 to 140 degrees off the wind.
However, another point to consider is that with a standard (classic) mast rig, you need to have a tight fore and aft stays, much like a bow and arrow. You're literally pulling the ends of the boat up. Or, perhaps we're pushing the mast into the boat. Interesting speculation here.
I like the B&R rig and especially main sail furling. For an old guy who like to sail by himself, unfurling the main is a piece of cake. And I rarely go straight downwind. Much more fun to sail 120 to 140 degrees off the wind.
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