The rear stay splits near the stern to separate chainplates mounted at either side of stern, to form a fork at the bottom end of the stay. There is a center chainplate, which accepts a block and line that can tighten up a set blocks that run outside the split part of the stay. This in effect lowers the point where the stay splits. There is a cam cleat on the center line, so the position of the blockset is adjustable. I've seen this same setup on other boats. What is it's purpose? My owning partner apparently did not think it was worthwhile, he removed the center line altogether. I'd just like to be informed. Thanks!
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It's so you have an adjustable backstay,
so you adjust tension on the backstay for point of sail.
so you adjust tension on the backstay for point of sail.
Backstay Adjuster
This setup is used to rake your mast aft, generally for 'bendy masted boats. The theory is that the more rake in the mast gives you the ability to point closer to weather. Conversly the farther forward the rake is ,better to go off the wind.
This setup is used to rake your mast aft, generally for 'bendy masted boats. The theory is that the more rake in the mast gives you the ability to point closer to weather. Conversly the farther forward the rake is ,better to go off the wind.
Not entirely accurate Harvey
On a masthead rig the backstay is the primary means of tensioning the forestay which affects headsail shape. Its ability to induce mast bend is somewhat limited induce mast bend due to the physics and geometry of a masthead rig. It can rake the mast fore and aft but the amount of rake that can occur is fairly minor and not something the average sailor would notice. Changes in headsail shape would have more effect on pointing (flatter headsail shape) or off the wind performance (fuller headsail shape) On a fractional rig the main function of backstay is to bend the mast and change the shape of the mainsail. The geometry of a fractional rig is very different from a masthead rig which allows the backstay to create significant mastbend.
On a masthead rig the backstay is the primary means of tensioning the forestay which affects headsail shape. Its ability to induce mast bend is somewhat limited induce mast bend due to the physics and geometry of a masthead rig. It can rake the mast fore and aft but the amount of rake that can occur is fairly minor and not something the average sailor would notice. Changes in headsail shape would have more effect on pointing (flatter headsail shape) or off the wind performance (fuller headsail shape) On a fractional rig the main function of backstay is to bend the mast and change the shape of the mainsail. The geometry of a fractional rig is very different from a masthead rig which allows the backstay to create significant mastbend.
Racing - Rear - Rig
Mr. Drake, All three of these responses are correct. This is normally used as 'racing' gear, but you do see it on 'cruisers' as well nowadays. I would only add that in my 'experience' and I have seen this on several yachts, folks overdo it and crank it down (lotta leverage on 3 to 1 or 4 to 1 'handy - billy) and "lift" the bow hardware and can cause dismasting if not inspected with care and caution taken. Get " The Riggers Apprentice" to learn about this kind of stuff from a good source. Also, general seamanship, rigging, and piloting is all covered in "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" by John Rossmaniere, available at any chandlery.
Mr. Drake, All three of these responses are correct. This is normally used as 'racing' gear, but you do see it on 'cruisers' as well nowadays. I would only add that in my 'experience' and I have seen this on several yachts, folks overdo it and crank it down (lotta leverage on 3 to 1 or 4 to 1 'handy - billy) and "lift" the bow hardware and can cause dismasting if not inspected with care and caution taken. Get " The Riggers Apprentice" to learn about this kind of stuff from a good source. Also, general seamanship, rigging, and piloting is all covered in "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" by John Rossmaniere, available at any chandlery.
No matter what your partner thinks, it's a
legitimate piece of sailing equipment. Like lots of other parts of your boat, you will learn what it does. Keep it.
legitimate piece of sailing equipment. Like lots of other parts of your boat, you will learn what it does. Keep it.
Backstay Adjuster
A backstay adjuster has absolutely NO affect on mast rake. Mast rake is set with the length of the headstay, period. A backstay adjuster WILL reshape your main, tension your headstay, change pointing ability...etc. It is a critical sail shaping control, especially as the wind builds in strength. If you use a multi part rope adjuster, you can't put enough force on the backstay to do any damage. If you have a hydraulic adjuster, the pressure guage will tell you the limits of adjustment. If you want to learn to sail with all the sail controls at your disposal then keep the adjuster and learn HOW to use it. Check out the "Sail Trim" forum on this web site. There have been plenty of discussions about this topic.
A backstay adjuster has absolutely NO affect on mast rake. Mast rake is set with the length of the headstay, period. A backstay adjuster WILL reshape your main, tension your headstay, change pointing ability...etc. It is a critical sail shaping control, especially as the wind builds in strength. If you use a multi part rope adjuster, you can't put enough force on the backstay to do any damage. If you have a hydraulic adjuster, the pressure guage will tell you the limits of adjustment. If you want to learn to sail with all the sail controls at your disposal then keep the adjuster and learn HOW to use it. Check out the "Sail Trim" forum on this web site. There have been plenty of discussions about this topic.
alan's correct,
mast rake is normally preset at the dock, because the forestay's length must be adjusted. Don't confuse rake with bend. It's very easy to adjust mast rake on a trailerable sailboat, but somewhat more complicated on a larger keelboat without quick adjust connectors. So most of us keelboat sailors don't mess with it usless it's really necessary. I've never felt the need to adjust the mast rake on my C27. Mast bend and forestay tension, however, are very effective trim adjustments for the various points of sail Anthony, your very first investment for your boat should be a complete book on sailing and sailboats.... John Rousmaniere's "Annapolis Book of Seamanshipe" is the best... in my opinion. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684854201/interactiveda162-20/102-4704702-5357749
mast rake is normally preset at the dock, because the forestay's length must be adjusted. Don't confuse rake with bend. It's very easy to adjust mast rake on a trailerable sailboat, but somewhat more complicated on a larger keelboat without quick adjust connectors. So most of us keelboat sailors don't mess with it usless it's really necessary. I've never felt the need to adjust the mast rake on my C27. Mast bend and forestay tension, however, are very effective trim adjustments for the various points of sail Anthony, your very first investment for your boat should be a complete book on sailing and sailboats.... John Rousmaniere's "Annapolis Book of Seamanshipe" is the best... in my opinion. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684854201/interactiveda162-20/102-4704702-5357749
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