Rigging question

[Anonymous User]

Hello,

Three years ago I purchased a 73' Venture 222... and have been on an interesting personal voyage... learning how to sail! Anyways, I was going through some photos from the day I purchased her, and noticed that the previous owners ran a small line that is tied to a pad eye, through a small pulley attached to the port side backstay, across to another small pulley on the starboard backstay, and then... it appears... it is tied off to another pad eye (picture is grainy). Does anyone have an idea what the purpose of this would be? Maybe to adjust the tension of the backstay... or part of a tiller self-steering system...?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151654801109915&set=gm.10151596935713543&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151654799749915&set=gm.10151596935713543&type=1&theater

Thanks,

Peter

 

[Marty A]

Looks to me like a backstay tension adjuster. It is used to put more tension on the forestay to get better performance upwind.

Larger boats with split backstays may have a similar system that rides up near the split and is pulled down to 'narrow' the triangle thereby shortening the overall length.

 

[dscribner]

Another, less exotic explanation might be that the line was used to tie the motor up while trailering, keep the stress off the motor mount. I do something similar over my stern rail.

 

[Anonymous User]

Thank you Marty! So I should tighten the backstays/apply tension to the forestay, when sailing close hauled? Or should I keep the forestay tight all the time? Thanks again!

 

[Marty A]

If I'm right then snugging this up may help but I wouldn't say it's always the right idea. Usually you would do this more in strong winds.

I know there's a lot of information on sail trim on these forums. I'd suggest looking for that information - in particular for boats like your venture - to learn more.

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

You might also try another of SBO's forums- the Macgregor/Venture forum over on TSBB

http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/macgregor/index.cgi

 

[Anonymous User]

Thanks everyone for the help! I'll do some more reading and research!

 

[rardiH36]

Hi:

The general answer is yes: Backstay tension affects forestay tension which can make a big difference in sailing performance depending on wind strength, point of sail and the condition of your headsail (somewhat new or older and stretched out compared to when new). The attached pdf describes the dynamics well and makes several references to backstay and headstay tension. As Marty already ventured, lots more information can be found ...