backstay adjustment

mr31 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

would it be correct to say that tightening the backstay on a masthead rig would only tension the forestay?
your thoughts please

Giulietta · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

no, not only, it also "stretches the mast's "belly" forward...but its less effective on sailshape than a fractional rig.

mr31 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

so you cannot flatten the upper portion of the main?

Giulietta · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

the roach??? no.............for that you use battens

Cruisingdad · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

Huh? I thought you were supposed to use Raid for roaches. How do you use battens? That was why I bought a catalina... don't have no stinkin roaches on our boats!!

Giulietta · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

Huh? I thought you were supposed to use Raid for roaches. How do you use battens? That was why I bought a catalina... don't have no stinkin roaches on our boats!!

The roach:

The shape of a sail is seldom a perfect triangle. It is common for sailmakers to add an arc of extra material on the leech, outside a line drawn from the head to the clew. This additional part of the sail is known as the roach; mainsails usually have roaches, but they are very occasionally found on specialized jibs as well. They provide additional power for a given mast/boom size.

Since it cannot be supported by tension in the sail material (applied from the corners), it would flap uselessly unless some other provision were made for it. It is therefore supported by battens, held in batten pockets, which extend into the main portion of the sail.

CD.....Just in case

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

Giu-

I thought we were all going to get him a copy of this for Father's day...

Cruisingdad · #8 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

Ok, would you help me with another definition. I am not sure about this one.

Boom.

1. a loud, explosive sound.

2. A part of the rigging of a sail boat which holds the bottom of the main sail.

3. The result of not using a preventer.

4. A sound followed by weeks of cursing, dry feet, and thousands of dollars.

5. An error made by a portugese sailor that CD will never let him forget about!

Cruisingdad · #9 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

Sorry to hijack your thread mr31 (smile). Just harrasing the Portugese. He deserves it!!

- CD

mr31 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007

no problem
when i say flatten i mean taking draft out of sail. heavy air or very light airs.