As a longtime (and fascinated) lurker, I'm finally introducing myself and imultaneously seeking advice! Since I frequently sail singlehanded on Lake Champlain, I'd like to simplify the cutter
rig on our Passport. The problem is finding a way to safely stow the forestay on deck so it's out of the way, yet easily reattached. As a temporary measure it's hooked to a shroud chainplate and taped to the shroud.
The permanent stowage has to be forward of the mast so it doesn't foul the spreaders, but the forestay is 15 or 18 inches too long. Our rigger has suggested that we take up the slack by passing the shroud through an SS radius - imagine a section of bicycle rim - then tautly
anchor the fitting to a thrubolted
shackle. This seems okay conceptually, but a little Goldbergian. It seems as though this would be a common problem so I'm wondering if there's a simpler solution we're not imagining. Comments, advice, brainwaves are all welcome! Thank you, John.