Here's my understanding:
The backstay pulls the top of the mast aft, which induces bending, which in turn pulls draft out of the mainsail, when a flatter draft is desired. However, without check stays or running backs to control the bending characteristics in the middle of the mast, the mast will tend to curve forward under the increased compressive load, which isn't helpful. Running backs or check stays both attempt to control this tendency and keep the lower sections of the mast in column so the bend is all in the upper half of the mast and all aft of the mast centerline, where it can be effective. Running backs attach to the mast higher up than check stays and are generally more efficient. Check stays with a short run aft (like mine) don't require adjustment for tacking upwind, but are less efficient because of their relatively low attachment point and angle of attachment at deck level. So it's a trade-off.
Others may be better informed on this point than I, so they can weigh in at will.
Derek Reijnen
The Reijnen Company
phone: 206-842-4409
email: derek@reijnenco.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Kolar [mailto:jkolar@singingfish.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 10:44 AM
To: olson911@SailPix.com
Subject: adjustable backstays vs runners
So another rigging question- and this may be a really dumb question..
But we have a hydraulic backstay adjustor on our boat.. is there any reason to also add backstay runners?? From everything I have heard, w/ having to adjust the runners tack to tack they are more trouble than they are worth..
What is the difference in control you get w/ the 2 systems?
Thanks
Jennifer
Manta Ray 911 SE
Received on Tue Mar 25 11:15:22 2003