Tensioning frac rig with swept back spreaders

[mgpedersen]

Originally Posted by mikehoyt

My real question was more about how this would affect the windward and downwind performance. The boat is fractionally rigged, has one set of outer shrouds that pass thru swept back spreaders and one set of inner shrouds. The mast is deck stepped.

Is it normal for a highly tensioned rig to perform well upwind in windy conditions and waves but be slower downwind due to this tensioning - esp in light airs? ... or is this just my imagination?

Thanks

Mike

I think generally that's true. When I used to race J/24's with similar rigs, we adjusted the shroud tension all the time, even between races. Looser tension in the light stuff, more in the heavy. And yes, I also think the higher tension is slower downwind. We generally tried to slack off the backstay as much as possible since you aren't supposed to adjust the standing rigging while racing. It might not be the tension per se that causes the slows, but the rake of the mast. If you can get the top of the mast further forward, I think you'll be faster.

Matt