Adjustment of Forestay
jim; Forstay tension is usually controlled by the tension on the backstay. This is why most boats involved in racing have a way of changing this tension easily while sailing. Most 'cruisers' don't worry about the need to change the tension on the forestay, so it is adjusted in this way. Tighten the forestay turn buckle, and the backstay turn buckle('s) so that there is no noticeable sag to the forestay (assuming roller furling sail is on the stay), or that the forestay is quite tight (difficult to push on), making sure that the top of the mast is either vertical ( fore, and aft), or slightly bending aft (your preference), never with a bend forward. Then while sailing on a beat (close hauled) in 8-12 knots of wind, sight up the forstay and observe a slight sag to leward. If there is a big curve in the forestay, then you may not have it as tight as you might like. If you have an adjustable backstay, the forestay should be very slightly slack with the backstay tension completely off at the dock, and the mast should be vertical. Mike
