Peter, what is the purpose of the stantion connections?

Posted By: Seth Dabney, 2023-C, Oxford, MS
Date: 8/28/07 10:45a.m.

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Peter, If you are still checking the board, what is the purpose of the triangle block arrangement that attaches to the pushpit stanchion bases (in your atatched photo)rather than just connecting the topping lift only to the transom? Also how are the lines fixed to the bases of the stantions? Last weekend, I experimented with connecting the topping lift to the transom (where the main sheet was connected before a traveler was added)using a pully system (boom vang) similar to the one shown connecting to your transom. I liked the result. It did give the ability to bend the top of the mast a little, which should help to reduce weatherhelm in heavy air. If my lower stays were tighter, I might not get this much bend. However, I don't think the bend affected the forstay tension much, since my uppers are pretty tight and they probably control that. This connection would certainly add support to the top of the mast if flying a masthead cruising spinnaker. Anyone else do this? Seth