Author Topic: Forestay/Jib adjustment  (Read 490 times)

Brian Mikiten

  • U20 Virgin
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Forestay/Jib adjustment
« on: April 26, 2026, 10:02:48 PM »
I don't see much about forestay adjustments and given that there is no backstay, I'd expect to see more. I understand the effect of the shrouds on the tension but wondered if there was a standard (or typical) length of the adjustment loop at the clam cleat by the furler attachment. I seem to have only about 3" of adjustment but remember seeing boats with over 12". Assume no vang is on.

THX

Dean Nelson

  • #154 UhHuh
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Re: Forestay/Jib adjustment
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2026, 12:01:46 AM »
The length of the forestay determines the mast rake.  Per class rule 7.4. "The length of the headstay assembly is optional. The recommended total length should be so
that the rake of the mast (dimension R in Figure 3) is between 34′ 9″ and 35′. This measurement will not be enforced and has been kept in the rules as a reference point only."

Brian Mikiten

  • U20 Virgin
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  • Posts: 17
Re: Forestay/Jib adjustment
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2026, 01:24:18 AM »
Good guidance. I'll check the measurements.

Josh Jones

  • U20 Youngster
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Re: Forestay/Jib adjustment
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2026, 02:50:21 PM »
So now that a lot of people are installing adjustable forestays, and this is no longer "enforced", what length are folks using?  Are we really adjusting the forestay regularly based on conditions?