Forestay tension

[vegatern]

Could someone advise me as to how much forestay tension I should
have? Currently, at chest level, I can deflect the stay about 3",
perhaps a bit more, with moderate pressure. It seems loose to me.
There is about 3" of "rake" in the mast and my forestay turnbuckle is
adjusted about as tight as she will go. If I tighten the backstay I
increase the "rake" noticeably. I say "rake" because most of it
begins at the spreaders so she resembles some of the racing boats in
the harbor. Is this bow in the mast acceptable or should I simply
shorten the forestay? The previous owner did race the boat. Also,
on the same topic, at some point in the boat's history the adjustable
backstay was moved from the original horseshoe chain plates to "strap"
type chain plates bolted to the stern. I don't know why this was done
unless there had been reports of the original plates failing. Was this
the case? Thanks
Craig Tern #1519

 

[wxt8981]

Hi.:
A correct setting of the "rake" has much to do with the
wind on where you sail. There always should be enough
weather helm (the boat will round up into the wind when you
let go the tiller), there should NEVER be a lee-helm (the
boat will fall of the wind when you let go of the tiller).
This most likely will become a trial of errors for you; If
you don't race your boat, find a "rake" that's acceptable
for you (if you race your boat, you'll need a tensioner for
the back-stay). I can't give you an answer about how much
tension you need on the for-stay. It will always be
different, whether you sail close hauled or off the wind.
From when you write about your boat, it might just be
right.
Wilhelm, V-257