Shroud tension
Tighten the forestay to approx. half way on the turnbuckle. Then raise a tape measure to the top of the mast on the main halyard. Measure to both chain plates for the shrouds and adjust them for equal measurements to center the mast. Then fasten the main halyard to the goose neck fitting for the boom and tighten the halyard. Leave the lower shrouds loose but fastened. Turn each upper shroud turnbuckle the same amount until the mast bows forward about 1" in the middle as seen by the distance between the mast and the main halyard. Tighten the lower shrouds snug but not as tight as the uppers. Go sailing. adjust the lower shrouds to stop the mast from bending sideways when close hauled. Lay on your back and sight up the mast to see the bend. Tack over and do the other side. Works good on my 18.5 and most fractional rigged boats. Happy sailing
