Not drum-tight
Yes, the side stays (or shrouds) do hold up the mast. But you don't want the shrouds to be drum-tight. In basic terms, start by making sure the mast is straight up and down, and the shrouds are evenly tightened but still have some give when pulled. A common trick is to use the halyard to mark the length to one chainplate then check the other side. Go sailing. On either tack the windward shrouds should be tight, and the leeward set should be loose but not really floppy. Go back to the dock or mooring and make adjustments. Too tight and you'll put continual excess strain on the chainplates, too loose and the mast will whip over on a tack and potentially damage the mast base, rigging, and attachment points. Regards, Brad
