Running Back stay?

[The Arabella]

Hi Y'all, this is my first post, thank you for reading. I bought my second Mac (26s) not long ago (first one was an 84 Mac 25), and am fitting it for a summer of fun. It didn't come with a mast, but I bought one from Macgregor and am rigging it, but my back stay is only 26 feet long! Do you think the previous owner had a running back stay? I bought the boat at an auction so I can't ask. Would it be dangerous to only have a rope holding the backstay? Is there really a performance gain for cruising in having a running back stay? I'm thinking about just buying a new 31 foot back stay, but for close to the same amount could buy a few blocks and make a running back stay. What would you do? THANK YOU!!!

Also if anyone knows a good club or is interested in Sailing together near Los Angeles, let me know!

[Frank C]

Lots of folks here have intentionally shortened the backstay and inserted a vang down to the stb quarter tab ... voila! ... an adjustable backstay. There's no problem with using the rope vang in series with a wire backstay, or even using a rope for the entire length.

Running backstays are an unnecessary hassle. "Running backstays" implies two of them, from starboard and port quarters up to the forestay hound. Since they intercept a (fractional) mast below the main's headboard they interfere with the mainsail, so the trimmer must release and tension them on alternate tacks. Since you're not installing a rotating mast (are you?), then there's no need for the extra cost and trimming demands of running backstays.

In your case a single backstay crane at the masthead will provide ample clearance for full side-to-side motion of the boom and mainsail. I elected to split the vang so it attaches to both aft quarters, but that's not required to achieve a simple adjustable backstay.

(Pictured: masthead crane leading down to a split adjustable backstay ... )


Click button-left for Sailing Links, then sailing clubs, then look for the San Diego Mac Club. They have a great reputation per their membership, and frequent activities.

[beene]

Nice pic Frank



G

[Frank C]

A very mild day, crossing the Golden Gate slot (northbound) at the southern tip of Angel Island, bound for a mooring in Ayala Cove. Winds were only 10 knots that day, flat water, jib & main yielding about 3 knots of boat speed. The days are few & far between when you can sail this track at less than 15 degrees of heel. On an average summer afternoon we'd be heeling 30+ degrees on the first reef, pounding through 18 to 24 inches of chop, making 6+ knots in winds 18+ ... a very wet ride.

[Catigale]

Boy, that is about as picture perfect sailshape as you can get....

[delevi]

Yeah Frank, very nice.

[beene]

.... and just look at the smile on that Admiral

Lucky guy

G

[Frank C]

That very nice lady was crew ... not an Officer.

[waternwaves]

Frank,

Crew or officer........
At least you have staff who have time on board. As I work for this larger boat, I am realizing that the number of crew/staff positions available exceeds the supply quite frequently. I may need additional crew.

I guess that is the time to troll by the marina.

But finding women my age or younger, that are compatible in most areas, and share the same interests....... and has time to spend around me........ is becoming more and more difficult.

I am beginning to understand Joshua Slocum a little better now.

[Frank C]

Age isn't the only issue, it's "independence duration."
Since a divorce about 10 years ago, I've lived alone.
By now, I'm pretty sure that I'm "partnership incapable~!"

Crew is fine, as long as they can take orders ...
but I don't take orders.

[waternwaves]

Frank........

as you note, smart people rarely take orders.........since even fewer are needed.

tho occasional "advice" is frequently proferred.

I guess it is a judgment thing now..... I don't find too many with better judgement that I trust. (there........now didn't I say that nicely) .

besides.....1000 generations of culture have not removed the last vestiges of dominance from this household.

[Newell]

Frank,

Your, under sail pic, is great. What is the white tube visible at the rear on the port quarter?

Newell
:macx:Fast Sunday 96X

[kmclemore]

Frank,
Your, under sail pic, is great. What is the white tube visible at the rear on the port quarter?
Newell
:macx:Fast Sunday 96X

I suspect that's the sun reflecting off the stainless ladder?

[Frank C]

Thx Newell~

Kevin's right.

[delevi]

By now, I'm pretty sure that I'm "partnership incapable~!"

Come on Frank, I don't think that's true. Even if you're not prepared to promote anyone to Admiral, a good First Mate can make the journey more pleasant.