[Alberg30] Mast bend

[Bill Blevins]

A30 racers,

I just re-read the past threads on rig tension again. (We race.) I thought we were pointing pretty good in most wind conditions until we had some "experienced" racers sail with us last week. (They loved the A30 by the way). During the race, the comments were "this boat should point higher than this". (In 4-6 knots of wind the aparent wind angle off the bow was 43-45 degrees).

I've been thinking about this all week, so last night I went to the boat, loosened the forestay, took the backstay all the way in and snugged up the forestay again. This probably added 2 inches to the forestay and took away 2 in the back. (The backstay is as far "in" as it can be adjusted now).

I had previously set the mast so that the top was directly over the base with the forward bend being pulled slightly to the bow by the forward lowers. NOW, there is a gentle bend aft and the top of the mast is obviously not over the base anymore.

I see that's not what has been suggested in previous threads on this topic but I was wondering if those of you who DO have backstay adjusters see that your rig looks "curved" when the backstay is on going to windward.

I went sailing last night in about 3-4 knots of wind and the aparent wind angle seemed to improve about 5 degrees on each side. I was reading 38-40 degrees. 

I'm happy with the result, just questioning if this is good for the mast to ALWAYS have a bend - since I don't have a backstay adjuster yet. (Still have to buy a vang first, new snatch blocks...list goes on and on...)

(I have my tensions written down and can look them up if that's needed by any of you to answer my question.)

Thank you.

Bill Blevins
"Sabrina" #158
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