As the boat tacks they change over. Another function of the running backstay is to adjust the tension of the forestay to suit the sailing angle and sea condition. In general, during a hard beat when the boat sails very close to the wind, the running backstay is tightened to increase the tension of the forestay.

Are running backstays necessary?

Adding a cutter stay to a masthead rig Running backstays may be necessary if a cutter stay for a storm jib or staysail is fitted. Option 1: The cutter stay is located 3-6% of the height of the foretriangle below the existing forestay.

What is a running backstay on a yacht?

A running backstay is a removable stay that provides aft support to the mast from either the masthead or the point at which an inner forestay is attached. It originated as a response to the material limits of the period.

What do backstays do?

A backstay is a piece of standing rigging on a sailing vessel that runs from the mast to either its transom or rear quarter, counteracting the forestay and jib. It is an important sail trim control and has a direct effect on the shape of the mainsail and the headsail.

What do running backstays do?

On a fractional rig like the ILC 40 the running backstays are the primary power control. Winding them on tightens the headstay which depowers the jib and at the same time compresses the mast creating mastbend which depowers the mainsail.

Running Backstay

35 related questions found

What are runners on a yacht?

Runners are used on running backstays of offshore boats to adjust mast bend for different wind conditions. Integrated sideplate bails and recessed cotter key help produce a smooth design that won't snag lifelines. Foam padded Block Socks easily install over Air Runner blocks to protect your blocks, deck, and crew.

How tight should my backstay be?

If the mast is too far forwards or backwards, it will lead to poor handling and sailing performance will suffer. Back to the original question about tightness of stays. The answer is very simple, the stays need to be tight enough to hold the mast in the proper position.

What is the leeward runner?

A running backstay runs from each lateral corner of the stern to the mast at the level where the forestay begins in the fractional rig. ... During beating or reaching, the running backstay in windward side is in tension. The one in the leeward side is lazy. As the boat tacks they change over.

What are check stays on a sailboat?

The check stays are positioned between the runner and the gooseneck, and when tensioned, they straighten the mast, which creates a rounder mainsail entry. A rounder entry makes the sail look good, and this is great when you need power.

What are cap shrouds?

Cap Shrouds

These are the parts of a sailboat's rigging that hold the mast in place athwartship. They're attached at the masthead and via chainplates to the hull.

What is a staysail on a sailboat?

A staysail ("stays'l") is a fore-and-aft rigged sail whose luff can be affixed to a stay running forward (and most often but not always downwards) from a mast to the deck, the bowsprit, or to another mast (the mast is item 13 in the illustration right).

What do you say when jibing?

When the crew has readied (prepared) the sheets the crew will yell, “Ready”. The helmsman will then say, “Gybe Ho” or “Gybing” to notify the crew that he has started to make the turn down through the wind.

How do you gybe a large yacht?

To master the gybe, run the boat off the wind with plenty of space to leeward. Heave the sheet in tight and gently gybe the boat. Don't ease the sheet. Now gybe her back again, and so on, running straight and dead downwind all the time.

What is an accidental gybe?

One of the worst events on a sailboat is known as an accidental gybe. This is where in the boat, sailing nearly downwind with sails including the main and its supporting boom out to the one side, gets hit by a wind shift, causing failure of the helmsman or the autopilot to be able to maintain a course.

What is an inner forestay?

The inner forestay is typically attached to the mast at the upper spreader and, if not attached permanently, lives next to the mast when not in use. It is made fast to its deck fitting and can be tensioned in a variety of ways.

What is standing rigging on a sailboat?

Standing rigging comprises the fixed lines, wires, or rods, which support each mast or bowsprit on a sailing vessel and reinforce those spars against wind loads transferred from the sails.

Why do we backstay tension?

Tensioning the mainsheet tensions the mainsail leech. The leech acts like a backstay to induce compression and mast bend. ... To compensate, add luff tension with either the halyard or cunningham. Conversely, when you ease the backstay, you need to remember to ease luff tension and ease the mainsheet or vang.

How do you tension a yacht rigging?

Proper tension will leave the leeward upper shrouds taut with 15 degrees of heel and a full crew on the rail. The uppers should be tighter than the lowers; they have more load and also stretch more because they are longer. Check the rig periodically, particularly after sailing in heavy air.

What is the difference between a stay and a shroud on a sailboat?

Shroud. Stays and shrouds are often confused, as they essentially do the same thing (just in different places). Stays are only located on the bow and stern of the vessel—that's fore and aft. Shrouds run from the port and starboard side of the hull or deck to the top of the mast.

What are shrouds on a sailboat?

On a sailing boat, the shrouds are pieces of standing rigging which hold the mast up from side to side. There is frequently more than one shroud on each side of the boat. ... They are sometimes held outboard by channels, a ledge that keeps the shrouds clear of the gunwales.