What is the best way to tune the rig w/ no backstay?

Posted By: Todd-2023C-SFBay
Date: 9/25/07 5:22p.m.

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In Response To: Reefing (Peter)

Sailing upwind on the bay 2 weeks ago in heavy wind (20mph, heavy for me) and if we luffed up at all the forestay would pump. In my mind it was fairly violent though I am very conservative by nature. We then went to main only just to be safe. This weekend during launch I noticed the mast did not appear to lock into place during raising. By lock I mean it raises up and kind of feels like it locks forward at the same time the shrouds all tighten. Looking into it the mast appeared to be raked back quite a bit though forestay lever and shrouds were all the same setup I have used all year. Loosening the shrouds the mast is now fairly perpendicular though the mast does not sit flat on the mast step (bout a 1/8in to 3/16in gap at front end of the mast). I moved my furler up 2 bolt holes on the furler lever (knife switch?) which helped tension but not necessarily mast rake. How tight should the forestay be? Though it does not sag I can pull it (from the middle) in and out at least 5 to 6in. So how tight should the forestay be (stock setup/furler, no backstay)? Is your mast perpendicular? Forward rake? Aft rake? Does your mast sit flat on your mast step? How tight are your outer shrouds? Inner? I will try to remember to take a pic next time we are out. Thanks in advance. Todd