rig tuning
Hi Rich - I wouldn't say there's necessarily a remedy in order unless you are getting excessive weather or lee helm. Adjusting the backstay tensions is usually a matter of turning the turnbulckles with a crescent wrench while holding the barrel with a large screwdrive (or similar) - make sure to use rage or tape to prevent scarring on the turncuckle barrel. Of course, if your boat is equipped with a block and tackle adjuster or hydraulic, this makes the process much easier. Experiment with different tensions while under sail. While it is important not to have the mast raked forward or side to side, raking aft can help boats point higher if you want to get into that level of tuning. It depends in the boat's design - the mast on my boat is like a telephone pole so I just try to keep it in column. Best, Trevor
