Two ideas
Hello,
Hoping you enjoy the book. As I recall there's a bit in it on this subject, or rather on these subjects, as there are at least two distinct topics here.
Let's talk about mast vibration first. This might have something to do with tuning, but probably not to a significant degree; search under "mast pumping" here to see if your problem is caused by vortices on the leeward side of the mast. If the pumping happens in the marina with the wind more or less abeam, and not underway, the vortices are almost certainly the problem.
Next, you are right in concluding that the forestay typically attaches about 3/4 of the way up the stick, and that the runners would there as well. But it would be extremely unlikely that adding such an assemblage, profitable though they might be for some rigger, would be justified by mast pumping.
The change to a short bowsprit, and the addition of a forestay very likely had to do with feedback on weather helm problems from knockabout owners; how is the helm on your boat? If you add a 'sprit, this would be a good reason, and a forestay would be there to keep the rig in balance when you strike the jib, not to add support to the mast, so a forestay would assume a forestays'l.
The forestay does not have to be parallel to the jibstay, but a good sailmaker is the one to talk to about the ideal angle; from long and wonderful experience with maestra Carol Hasse I understand the importance of head angle, clew height, sheet angle, etc., so please make the sail the determinant of stay angle. This could well mean tacking the stay well aft of the stem.
Another option for you is a Solent Stay, but we can leave that aside until you sort out the vibration issue.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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