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Old 05-16-2010, 10:25 PM
Brion Toss Brion Toss is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,180
Default Ah, mizzens

Hello,
Because mizzens are stuffed into the back of the boat, and because they must contend with deck structures, helm, and crew traffic, because of their disproportionate effect on the center of effort, because of the proximity of the main boom, and because they often are expected to take the load of a mizzen stays'l, mizzens present a challenge for staying. The springstay is one response. Swept spreaders are another. Also jumper stays, with or without springstay, forward-led intermediates, one or two sets of lowers, and so on. What your boat needs is utterly dependent on what variables your vessel's design presents.
Usually, aft-swept spreaders are paired with aft-led lowers and forward-led intermediates. With this configuration, one should not need a springstay. Nor runners. Yes, the aft lead does limit the travel of the mizzen boom, but helm balance typically limits the use of this sail to on the wind to a beam or moderately broad reach.
We don't have pictures of your rig; care to provide some? You might also want to look at the chapter on mizzens in the "Rigger's Apprentice."
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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