This is my first full season with the boat (2015 - hull-18) and I had an annoying problem. My backstay didn't totally release, without pulling the blocks up, when you undo the cam cleat at the traveler? After some hands-on testing and experimenting, I found the problem. Unlike the suggestions from others (including professionals), the fault was not with the flicker, or the blocks, or the backstay weight, or even the configuration at the top of the mast. The problem was being caused by the line that goes under the deck, from the stern exit point to the cam cleat on the traveler. Even with that line totally released, it did not allow the backstay to be released enough to clear the top of the main. Not sure why. Another issue, for me, was the location of the adjustment point (cam cleat) at the traveler. I wanted to be able to adjust the backstay tension while manning the tiller. Both problems have now been solved by eliminating the under-deck adjusting line and reconfiguring the adjusting blocks.
Now with the new adjusting backstay block configuration, and with the backstay totally or only partially released, the line hangs in an easily reachable position for the steerer, and the flicker keeps the backstay behind the top section of the main, as designed. When it's totally released, the hanging line goes up to the top block (not shown in the pictures), and is still easily reached. When it's tensioned it tightens the backstay, bends the flicker, and allows the backstay to become an almost straight line to the top of the mast. It also bends the top section of the mast aft, about 6 inches, and tightens the headstay. The adjusting blocks get much closer but never touch each other, even when fully tensioned, and the hanging line never gets long enough to reach the deck or even the tiller. The two blocks also give you a good visual of when you have the backstay fully tensioned.
Now with the new adjusting backstay block configuration, and with the backstay totally or only partially released, the line hangs in an easily reachable position for the steerer, and the flicker keeps the backstay behind the top section of the main, as designed. When it's totally released, the hanging line goes up to the top block (not shown in the pictures), and is still easily reached. When it's tensioned it tightens the backstay, bends the flicker, and allows the backstay to become an almost straight line to the top of the mast. It also bends the top section of the mast aft, about 6 inches, and tightens the headstay. The adjusting blocks get much closer but never touch each other, even when fully tensioned, and the hanging line never gets long enough to reach the deck or even the tiller. The two blocks also give you a good visual of when you have the backstay fully tensioned.
