Backstay length

[Tony M]

Hi all,

Just purchased an old Sirius 21 with a broken backstay.
Obviously I can estimate backstay length via Pythagoras, but does anybody know the exact backstay length from the factory?

Many thanks,
Tony M

 

[shemandr]

It might be a good time to install an adjustable backstay. For several reasons: One is that you won't need to know the exact length. Another is that an adjustable would give you at the ability to play with mast rake, which is a pretty big deal in achieving a balanced helm. Finally, you can harden up the forestay for upwind work reducing sag in the forestay, improve pointing and reducing heel.
I don't know the rig on the Sirius 21 but I would definitely consider adjustable.