[QUOTE=shamrok;478365]I have purchased a 1974 22' O'day. The guy I bought it from sailed it last in Sept 08. He told me everything is ready to go. I have only sailed a handful of times. When I stepped the mast the shrouds were solid but the forestay and backstay seemed a little sloppy. The
turnbuckles are taped so I can't see where they would have been adjusted since the last sail. My question is very general "is this safe?" I have no plans to race or try and get every last knot out of the boat right now, I just want to get out and would like some advice on wheather they should be tightened a bit or if it can be sailed with slightly loose forestay and backstay. I can balance myself with them it is not like I would fall over if I grabbed one on the way down. Will this be dangerous if the wind picks up or can it be sailed this way in light to mid winds?
Thanks
Shamrok[/QUOTE]
I would take the slack out of the forestay and backstay if you don't have an adjustable backstay.