Mast Rake Rake describes the angle of the mast relative to its vertical position in the boat. It is measured by hoisting a tape measure to the top of the mast and measuring to the deck or transom. Rake changes the Center of Effort (CE) of the sails, which directly affects the balance of the boat.


Light Air


E Move mast butt aft, which moves the top of the mast forward


E Ease shrouds - “Pin Up” Heavy Air


E Move mast butt forward, which moves the top of the mast aft


E Tighten shrouds - ”Pin Down” n tension slightly


Mask rake is specific to the type of boat that is being sailed. Go to the specific class tuning guides for the boats your students are using to find out what the experts in the class recommend as a starting point for mast rake.


Mast Bend Mast bend describes the fore and aft deflection of a mast from straight. Mast bend affects sail shape and is used to power or depower a mainsail.


Mast bend is controlled by: E Rig controls: mast butt, shrouds, and spreader angle


E Sail controls: boom vang and mainsheet E Shape and taper of mast


Increasing mast bend (the deflection of a mast forward) will reduce draft and flatten the mainsail, thus depowering it. tighten the forestay.


Decreasing mast bend (straightening the mast) will increase draft in the mainsail making it fuller thereby powering it up. usually ease tension on the forestay.


It will


Backstay/Topmast The backstay is a wire or line control that extends from the top of the mast to the transom through an adjuster system, usually block and tackle.


It is used to: E Control the shape and leech of the main, and thereby add or reduce power. Ease backstay for a fuller mainsail and tighter leech. Pull on backstay to bend the mast particularly at the top to flatten and depower.


E Control the shape of the jib through head stay tension or sag. Ease backstay to increase sag in jib luff to make the jib fuller and have more power. Tighten backstay to reduce sag to make the jib flatter and enable the boat to sail a little closer to the wind.


44 Table of Contents


Mast Straight


Mast Bend


It will also


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