Running Backstays

[Tim Bowie]

I have a Valiant 40 and plan on sailing offshore. I have a couple of questions about the setup of running back stays. The running backs are currently attached to a chain plate just aft of the side stays.

When should the running backstays be moved from the chain plate just aft of the stays to the attachment point at the rear of the sailboat? How much tension should be placed on the running backstays when they are attached to the chain plates? Currently there is very little.

Any idea on what the force in pounds would be placed on the attachment point at the rear of the sailboat by the running backs? I need to rig up a block and pulley system between the running backs and the attachment point, I don't want to over or under design the setup. Can I get by with a 1/2' single line from the backstay through a block to a winch?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts,
Tim

Hi Tim,

"When should the running backstays be moved from the chain plate just aft of the stays to the attachment point at the rear of the sailboat?" "

- Generally, when you are flying the staysail in anything more than a light breeze, I'd use the running back that is to windward. The idea is to support (pull) on the mast from opposite where that sail is pulling.

"How much tension should be placed on the running backstays when they are attached to the chain plates?"

- I'd harden them up to the equivalent of a jib halyard or fully loaded jib sheet - fairly tight. If it is really blowing, you can sight up the mast and watch for any pump at the masthead or staysail attachment. You'd then want your running backs to be tight enough to eliminate any movement there. (within reason - you can hurt things by winding up on a big winch rather easily)

"Any idea on what the force in pounds would be placed on the attachment point at the rear of the sailboat by the running backs?"

- No idea

"Can I get by with a 1/2' single line from the backstay through a block to a winch?"

- Rather than a single line, I would at the very least stick a block on the end of the running back, and a block with a becket and shackle on the lower end, to make a simple tackle to make things easy on you & your winches. We made some setups like these for some valiants at one point a few years ago, but I don't remember the particulars.

Best of luck,

Jason

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
I'm with Jason on when and how much to set up the runners, but I really like a single, continuous line of sufficient strength and inelasticity; we use T-900, spliced to a Regatta Braid tail, and we'd be happy to make you up a set, as well as specifying deck blocks. This setup assumes you'll have a winch available on the weather side, which is just about always the case. The trick is getting a fair lead to the winch.
How old is your Valiant? In the bad old days, they had aft-led intermediates, before Bob Perry realized they were silly. If you have leftover intermediate chainplates, consider them stowage spots for the runners.
Tune the forestay so that it puts a bit of bend in the stick. That way you won't invert the stick when you crank on the runners.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss