Split Backstay
What you are looking at is a standard mid 80's Hunter B&R rig with a split backstay -- it was NOT an add-on. The Backstay adjuster to de-power the main is an add-on and that purchase and the split backstay adjuster can be removed, though I don't see whatcockpit room you'd gain; it's also a valueable adjustment even when cruising. Don't mistake your mast rigging for the present Hunter rig without backstays; they are completely different; newer Hunters have much wider shroud bases all the way out to the toe rail and even more swept back than yours. You risk loosing your rig if you eliminate your backstay, and that 'wire' is much larger than the vinyl coated life line material.
