Mast Rake

[tantrum815]

I have a Sonata 8 (26') Trailer Sailer. The rig is about 7/8 fractional with twin inline spreaders, lowers, running backstays and adjustable backstay. The helm is overly light and I would like to add a touch of weather helm by raking the mast. My question is one of mast geometry, will raking the mast on an inline spreader rig compromise the rig stability / integrity?:
Also, how do I get forestay tension? (other than by backstay) Tightening the shrouds (after loosening the forestay) has no effect. The forces are all directed downwards with no fore and aft tightening effect on the forestay

brian