Standing rigging

[lizzop]

We have been sailing all last season with a floppy forestay. The backstay is done up as far as it will go. There doesn't seem to be a bottle screw on the forestay, which is hidden under the furler. How do we tighten it up so we can get a better sail shape?

If we can do it ourselves, we will, otherwise we need a good rigger in Poole.

Any ideas?

 

[charles_reed]

forestay/furler

without knowing type of foresail furler you have, it's difficult to express an opinion, except to say that there will be some adjustment inside the furler drum to shorten the forestay.
In most cases there is a slot on the drum, so that you can access the top locknut on the turnbuckle which is integral with the furling drum.

 

[Poignard]

If it happens to be an old Rotostay I have an instruction sheet for it and could send you a copy.

 

[awol]

I had the same problem that with the mast raked as I wanted it, the backstay was too long. Lopped off the end (incidentally proving my emergency rigging cutters work) and attached a new Norseman fitting.

 

[Sans Bateau]

It will depend on the type of rig you have. Some, mainly fractional, rely on the shrouds for initial mast bend and hence forestay tension. The back stay then adds additional bend. If the shrouds are not tight enough or out of balance and you then tighten the forestay you will just make matters worse.

I had the rig on our boat set up by a rigger at the start of the season, cost me £40. Money well spent, the boat sailed better and I was sure the job was done properly.