Don't fully understand your question.
Ahoy Linda, I take it you are new to sailing. The backstay will be a steel cable running from the aft (rear) part of the masthad. It will be either a single backstay (one cable) that attaches.....I think.....somewhere at thestarboard side of the transom (ie, it is not centered) or an adjustable backstay that comes down from the mast head as a single mast head, then will essentially branch into two cables that symetrically attached to both port and starboard sides of the transum. You may be being confused if there is a line (a rope) also coming down from the masthead. That would proabably be a topping lift if such a line exists (if there isn't one, make one up while you are goiong through the process and attach that to the aft (rear) end of the boom to hold the boom up when the sails are down). There are several interesting ways to make this toping lift adjustable, but that can come later. As for the lines and blocks you mention.....you are probably talking about a boom vang which will run from the bottom of the boom at a point about several feet back from the mast to the base of the mast. There is probably a block and runner at the transom that attaches to your main sheet running from the aft end of the boom. My suggestion, if there's no one to ask personnally, look at a couple of boats....Catalina 22s if possible. The boom vang is pretty straight forward, the mainsheeting can be a lot different, depending on what type of boat you happen to look at. Good luck, Brad
