Shroud and Forestay Tightening

[Jaguar 25]

Never clear to me how much tension to apply to the shrouds, forestay, etc.

With regard to the shrouds, the perceived wisdom is said to be "if it goes slack on the lee side when sailing then it needs to be tensioned some more."

Depending on the definition of slack I cannot see a problem with the non-working shrouds losing tension. At least this minimises the downward force on the mast.

Any thoughts?

 

[sighmoon]

You don't want the mast moving about, which it would be if one shroud is slack.

If the terminals (where each stay enters the mast) do not allow movement, then there is a risk of fatigue fracture, if there is any movement - i.e. the forces on it will be forever bending it one way and then the other, until it snaps.

 

[Lodesman77]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sail-Rig-Tuning-Ivar-Dedekam/dp/1898660670

 

[alahol2]

Depending on your definition of slack...
A slack main shroud can allow the mast to bow to leeward and put excess pressure on the windward lowers. Especially when beating into a lumpy sea, the lowers can be subjected to snatch loads.
Depending on the angle and fittings on the spreader ends it's possible the spreader could drop slightly.
I do subscribe to the view that the lee shroud should not go slack and tighten accordingly.
I've only seen, I think, three broken masts, all of them caused by lowers letting go and the mast breaking in the middle.

 

[Jaguar 25]

Thanks for advice. Just ordered the book as well.

Looking forward to actually sailing soon!

 

[Salty John]

More information on this thread running a bit ahead of you: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?357615-rigging-tension-on-hunter-horizon