Baby stay

[3johno]

I have heard the term "baby stay" mentioned on a couple of videos but I have no idea what it is. I tried to look it up on the web and in the glossaries of three books. Can't find a definition. HELP. What is it? What does it do? How is it rigged?

[Tartan34C]

It’s a wire to help take out the flex of the mast and its rigged, maybe from the area of the spreader to the front of the cabin. It’s a baby headstay so to speak.
All the best,
Robert Gainer

[USCGRET1990]

I found this via a Goggle check:
SetSail.com - the serious cruising sailor's website

[Giulietta]

3Johno,

See the photo bellow I took off Yachtworld.

Of the modern boats of today, the Jeanneau Sun Odissey 37 for example, is one boat that has it. The Sun Fast, which is basically the same boat with taller rig and diffetent keel and more oriented to racing does not have it.

It is stiffening the lower part of the mast, by preventing it from flexing backwards. It seen often is cruising boats and normally racing boats don't have them, or if they do, they're "flying stays", meaning they can be de-tensioned.

[3johno]

Thanks,I really appreciate the help.

[bestfriend]

3j - If you happen to have a boat with one, as mine is, you can rig it to quick release when you are on a downwind. It isn't needed and it will get in the way of a jib pole if you have one. You can release it, make your gybe, and the reconnect it.