No spreaders on my Venture 21

[Doug]

I bought an old Venture 21 and I notice it doesn't have spreaders or backstay. The forstay and shrouds all connect about 3/4 of the way up the mast. Is this OK or should I have these components added. I've sailed it a half-dozen times and it sails OK but I'm a bit of a novice...

 

[Jim Hughes]

spreaders

I also bought a 21 venture without spreaders and backstay.It's called a fractional rig.I called Mac Gregor and thats what I was told.I've sailed most of the summer and it sails fine,even after a knockdown, so I guess the rigging is strong enough.It takes less time for set-up,less rigging. This was my first sailboat also. Happy sailing. JIM

 

[Doug]

2 concerns

Thanks for the reply, Jim. I've got two specific concerns. First, sailing downwind the mainsail rubs up against the shroud. Second, if I ever get a spinnaker, will there be a problem with not having a backstay and addtional support up top?

 

[MArk]

V21 vs M21

Doug,I had a V17 many years ago. With single shrouds, no backstay and no spreaders, solo setup was a snap.I'm not sure if all the V21s are sans spreaders, but I do know that after 1980 the M21 (which had the same HIN "B" designation as the V21) DID have spreaders, dual shrouds and a split backstay.I would not be too concerned about not having a backstay while using a spinnaker. After all, a spinnaker is only used when sailing downwind under conditions where the apparent wind speed is practically zero.Happy (fusion powered) sails *_/),MArk

 

[Jim Hughes]

chicken head

I made a chicken head (this is what Havencraft calls it) It fits over the top of the mast and extends 4 or 5 ins. behind the mast so that your backstay doesn't hit the sail.I put a rope on mine so that I can bend the top of the mast forward or back for sailing downwind or into the wind. I'am not there yet,as I've only sailed last summer.There's a lot more to this sailing thing then I thought, but I'am not giving up.Good luck in your adventures. JIM