How I Do It
Bill,I have a 26d. I'm a little obsessed with the rig tuning so I am often adjusting it. What I do to make the job easier is to slacken the forestay. I hook up the block and tackle, from the mast raising set-up, between the stem fitting and the jib halyard. Run it back to a winch and crank on the tension. Unhook the forestay and carefully allow the mast to drop back slightly using the tackle. The shrouds will loosen and can be easily un-pinned and re-pinned a hole or two tighter. Be aware that the adjusters are vernier, meaning that different holes line up as you adjust. Supposedly you can take up 1/8 inch at a time. I think I finally have mine where I want them, but that will probably change the next time I get out.