CHAPTER 3
BACKSTAY : The backstay is the standing rigging that runs from the top of the mast to the transom on some boats (typically larger daysailing dinghies and keelboats). It is typically made of wire, and on some boats it can be adjusted.
The backstay pulls the top of the mast aft. It is used to: • Control the shape and leech of the main, thereby adding or reducing power
• Control the shape of the jib through headstay/jib luff sag • Reduce the mainsail draft by bending the middle of the mast
Ease the backstay to increase sag in the jib luff, which makes the jib fuller and gives it more power. Tighten the backstay to reduce sag and make the jib flatter, which enables the boat to sail a little closer to the wind.
FULL LENGTH BATTENS: Some boats have battens that extend from the luff to the leech of the main. These are called compression battens. The depth of the sail can be altered depending on how tight the batten is pushed into its pocket. The more the batten is compressed, the more it will curve and force a deeper shape into the sail. Some boats will have a single full length batten in the top pocket (such as a 420 or a 470).
JIB HALYARD: Jib halyard controls jib luff tension. It is similar to the downhaul on the main sail and often described as luff sag (the looser the halyard, the more jib luff sag). • When the halyard is pulled tight, the draft moves forward and the jib will have a flatter shape.
• When the halyard is eased, the draft moves aft and the jib will have a fuller and more powerful shape.
When determining correct jib tension, pull on the halyard until the rig is firm. Too little jib halyard and the rig will feel loose, sloppy and bounce around. Too much jib halyard tension and you may see the top of the mast bend toward the bow (called inverting). Jib luff tension can also be changed by a jib Cunningham/downhaul or a backstay, both of which have the same effect as the halyard. More tension results in a flatter jib.
JIB LEADS: Jib leads control available jib leech and foot tension. Not all boats with jibs have adjustable jib leads. • When the lead is forward and jib sheet trimmed in, there will be more leech tension and a fuller foot- settings that power up the sail.
• When the lead is aft and jib sheet trimmed in, there will be more tension across the foot and a more open leech-settings that depower the sail.
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