I have a Legend 37 but I think this query is general to fractional rigs. In my experience, with a masthead rig, you use a backstay tensioner to increase tension in the forestay and minimize forestay sag when going upwind. With a fractional rig you use backstay tension to bend the mast and flatten the main, depowering it when overpowered going upwind. Do I have it right?
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Backstay Tension Helps With Headstay Sag
Yes, but... a backstay adjuster can help with headstay sag too. The 37 spreaders are not swept back that much and when the apparent wind gets up into the teens the headstay will sag. Crank up on the backstay and it will help take some of the headstay out too. On our H Legend 35 we use an inexpensive pincer system to good advantage.
Yes, but... a backstay adjuster can help with headstay sag too. The 37 spreaders are not swept back that much and when the apparent wind gets up into the teens the headstay will sag. Crank up on the backstay and it will help take some of the headstay out too. On our H Legend 35 we use an inexpensive pincer system to good advantage.
Del, you are correct that the fractional rigged backstay adjuster is to flatten the main. It will do a very good job of bending the mast to depower the main. The problem is that the pivot point of the mast bend is at the hounds. As a result, very little tension is transfered to the forestay. Many fractional rigged boats will have a jumper strut on the mast to allow a greater transfer of tension to the forestay. The alternative is running backs.
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