Running Backstays

[Jamie]

A friend just bought an old gaffer, and we're heading down to Seattle soon to bring it up to BC. It has an engine that's supposed to be reliable, but we'll be using the sails if the weather is favourable or the engine quits.

My concern is that it doesn't appear to have any running backstays. How do we tell if they should be there, or if the mast is well enough supported without them? How far back should the shrouds be in that case?

If the runners are supposed to be there, but are missing, is it safe to sail in light winds without them? I don't imagine there's a generic answer to that, but on balance, what do you think? And will going to windward be safer than running?
We don't want to spend a lot of time or money on the delivery trip, the plan is to do the work once the boat is here, so we don't want to be hiring a rigger in Seattle if it can be avoided.

Thanks,

Jamie