Forums, Mast, Rigging and Sails, recommended rigging tension

yachtblueheron at 26/09/2010 23:20:52
After a cold winter ashore (slow DIY engine overhaul) we find the rigging tensions are not what they were last year. On a reach some of the lee side stays are so slack you can see them flapping from the cockpit. Without sail some of the aft lower stays can move up to four inches when pushed 1/3 of the length. I also notice a load creaking in the cabin in strong winds, and some stress cracks have appeared on the deck below 2 of the U bolts (fore and aft lower shroud).

Tomorrow we are going to redo the tensions as recommeded on seldon, however I saw a few posts elsewhere saying the CO32 “bends like a banana” using those tensions of 15% of breaking (20 on backstay).

Can anyone recommend the best tension to put on which stays? We have a furling genoa.

Hi from Trebeurden, heading South!

Jeremy and Fiona at 30/09/2010 12:25:40
I’ve just spoken to Jeremy about this, and first of all he suggests that newish rigging such as yours will have stretched a bit, but not that much.

The mast should rake 6" from the top of the mast to deck level. The lower cap shrouds should be adjusted while sailing, allowing the mast to bend forward slightly but not to sag to leeward. If they are too tight the middle of themast will be pulled up to windward. Adjustments should be done on the wind, ideally in about 15 – 20 knots of breeze.Hope this helps,Fiona (on Jeremy’s behalf)

doug at 30/09/2010 13:49:55
Here is a video of Gigi (I think) sailing very well. I think you can also spot JR in some of the shots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIS-P3bJ6mY

Jeremy and Fiona at 30/09/2010 14:32:41
It is indeed Jeremy aboard Gigi.

Fiona