Forestay/Jib adjustment

[Brian Mikiten]

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]

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]

Good guidance. I'll check the measurements.

[Josh Jones]

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?

[Brian Mikiten]

In my case, I had to replace some of the components in the adjustment cleat mechanism and was concerned that I didn't provide enough adjustment. I had seen some boats with almost 12" of available line even if they only used 3-5" of actual adjustment. I realized this was an issue when during the last race we were being very out-pointed by another boat and saw that my jib was quite loose (floppy forestay) and beyond adjustment. I can't imagine doing any on-the fly adjustments but this would be for basic set up and tuning.