What is a backstay on a sailboat?

A backstay is a piece of standing rigging on a sailing vessel that runs from the mast to either its transom or rear quarter, counteracting the forestay and jib. It is an important sail trim control and has a direct effect on the shape of the mainsail and the headsail.

When should I tighten my backstay?

Adjusting the backstay will either increase the bend of the mast (backstay tension on) or decrease bend of the mast (backstay eased). It's usual to ease backstay downwind and put on backstay tension when going upwind.

What is a running backstay on a sailboat?

A running backstay is a removable stay that provides aft support to the mast from either the masthead or the point at which an inner forestay is attached. It originated as a response to the material limits of the period.

What does a backstay adjuster do?

Backstay adjusters allow racers and cruisers to adjust and control mast rake and headstay tension. Adjusting the backstay shapes the main to optimize upwind and downwind performance.

What does the back stay do?

No matter what the rig type or stiffness the tensioning the backstay keeps the headstay from sagging. Headstay sag equals extra power in the headsail, so when you don't want the power (heeling too much) use the backstay. On boats with rigs that bend, the backstay helps depower the mainsail.

Sailing: Backstay adjustment

Does a sailboat need a backstay?

In general, most modern sailboats will have a permanent backstay and some will have a permanent backstay combined with running backstays. Backstays are not always found on all vessels, especially smaller ones. A permanent backstay is attached at the top of the mast and may or may not be readily adjustable.

How does the backstay flatten the sail?

The backstay can flatten the mainsail

When the middle of the mast moves forward, the luff of the mainsail moves away from the leech, this reduces the hollow of the sail. This is like lifting the foot, it moves the clew away from the tack and flattens the bottom of the sail.

What is a hydraulic backstay?

Hydraulic backstays have a pressure-release valve (usually a knob that you turn counterclockwise to release pressure) or, in some cases, an additional quick-release button that allows you to instantly decrease backstay tension.

What are shrouds on a sailboat?

On a sailing boat, the shrouds are pieces of standing rigging which hold the mast up from side to side. There is frequently more than one shroud on each side of the boat.

What is mast pumping?

Pumping" (described in my last post) is the fore and aft movement of the mast as the boat sails through the water. This will increase with both windspeed and wave height. Some of this is normal, but it can reach a point where it must be controlled or limited, as excessive pumping can fatigue many parts of the rig.

How should you adjust the mast bend to depower your mainsail?

If your main is cut too full, then easing the lowers is what you might want to do to depower it a bit, but this then allows it to sag to leeward. As a general rule, the middle of the mast should sag a little to leeward in lighter air as this will develop power.

How should you adjust your sail shape when sailing upwind in waves and moderate breeze?

Flatter sails reduce drag when sailing upwind and also allow you to point a little closer to the wind. Downwind -- As soon as you stop sailing upwind and turn downwind, the ideal sail shape is much fuller.

When should sails be flattened?

A periodic check is worth the effort. I replace my sheets every two years. The basic theory of trimming is simple: In light wind, a curved sail with lots of shape is faster, but as the wind speed increases, the sail needs to be flattened to reduce its power.

Why do sails luff?

In sailing, luffing refers to when a sailing vessel is steered far enough toward the direction of the wind ("windward"), or the sheet controlling a sail is eased so far past optimal trim, that airflow over the surfaces of the sail is disrupted and the sail begins to "flap" or "luff" (the luff of the sail is usually ...

How do you flatten a main sail?

When backstay or running backstays are tightened, the force is back but mostly down, pushing the top of the mast down toward the deck. This compresses the mast, and the middle of the mast pushes forward, pulling the luff away from the leech and flattening the sail.

What is standing rigging on a sailboat?

Standing rigging comprises the fixed lines, wires, or rods, which support each mast or bowsprit on a sailing vessel and reinforce those spars against wind loads transferred from the sails.

What does mast bend do?

While rake is the amount the mast is angled aft, mast bend is the amount you bend the mast aft after you have set your rake. A rig that bends gives you a powerful tool for changing the shape of the mainsail: More mast bend flattens the sail and de-powers it; a straighter mast creates shape and power.

Why are masts raked?

As a practical matter, rake affects the swing of the boom. Specifically, a raked mast lifts the end of the boom as it is eased out. This is good for offshore work, as it keeps the boom from dipping in the water and possibly breaking when the boat rolls deeply.

How is mast bend measured?

This is measured by taking the main halyard all the way to the gooseneck (making sure the halyard is tight enough and the wind light so that it does not blow your halyard around and skew your measurement). You will find the deepest part is usually halfway up the mast; that is the pre-bend measurement.

What is a mainstay on a sailboat?

Meaning: An actual mainstay is the rope or brace that holds up the mainmast on a ship. The mainstay keeps the mast secure, meaning the whole ship can keep sailing smoothly.

What is a head stay?

(on a sailing vessel) a stay leading forward from the head of the foremost mast to the stem head or the end of the bowsprit.

What is the difference between a shroud and a stay?

Stays and shrouds are often confused, as they essentially do the same thing (just in different places). Stays are only located on the bow and stern of the vessel—that's fore and aft. Shrouds run from the port and starboard side of the hull or deck to the top of the mast.