[alberg30] Re: Inner Stay

[FINNUS505 at aol.com]

From: FINNUS505 at aol.com

Hi Chris,
Running backstays, are by definition, 'running' or adjustable. You are right,
the lee running back has to be let off to allow the boom to swing outboards.
On cruising boats, there is usualy some way to clip the 'lazy' running back to
the shrouds, so that they dont just swing around loosely and foul things.
On the old boats, the running backs invariably attached at the mast at some
point aft of a forstay, or staysail stay, to provide a point of support aft
against the forward pulling stay. In light weather, both running backs could
be clipped forward to stay out of the way, but as the wind  came up, that is
when the mast would need additional support, and the windward running back
would be taken up.
On more expensive boats, the running backs would be tailed to 'Highfield
Levers' of bronze or galvanized steel. Flipping the lever aft would tighten
the running back. Flipping the lever forward would loosen the running back. If
more room for the boom to leeward was needed, ie running before the wind, then
usulay there would be some snap mechanism to totaly release the running back
'bitter end' from the lever, so that the wire could be led all the forward to
the shrouds.
Other boats just tailed the bitter end of the running back to the 'lazy' or
windward genny  winch. These running backs would have a wire to rope splice,
of course, so the tail could be handled by the crew.
On very modern racing boats, it can be seen that the running backs have many
components or leads, attaching to the mast at multiple places. This kind of
running back offers greater support to the mast, and is critical is controling
mast bend in these bendy, light racing masts.
Hope this helped,
Lee

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Help support ONElist, while generating interest in your product or
service. ONElist has a variety of advertising packages. Visit
http://www.onelist.com/advert.html for more information.

 911772983.0