solent rig with double headsails downwind

[lmitchell]

I was intersted in doing something like the following to a 1987 Pearson 39...

I added a solent stay to my 382 last year It runs from near the top of the mast (about 12" below the forward stay attachment point) to just ahead of the anchor well at the deck. I sought Ted Brewers and Brion Toss's advice and the fitting on deck only needed a backing plate because of its position so far forward where the deck is narrow and strong. I fabricated the fitting at the top of the mast and the rest was purchased commercially, The stay is attached with a Hyfield quick release lever and is stored on A Wichard storage fitting attached to the hand rail when not in use. When I am in winds where I would have normally partially rolled up the Genoa I simply attach the stay, roll up the Genoa and Hank on a 100% jib which I can reef to about 65%.
I can also run double head sails for downwind or a storm jib. The big advantage is no runnung back stays and it is completely out of the way when not in use.

My question is: Would't running backstays be necessary to fly double headsails downwind with a solent rigged inner jib?

Thanks
Lawson

[sailingdog]

It really depends on how far from the top of the mast it is connected. If it is close enough to the top of the mast, it may not require them. Also, it depends on whether you have swept back spreaders or not... if not, and it is low enough, then you probably would need running backstays... a rigger could tell you for sure.