Running backstays

[Scott]

Hi, I was reading a book last night by Hal Roth and he described how he had rigged his running backstays. Has anyone installed them on a Triton (presuming you have a masthead rig)? If so I would like to know how you did it, and you comments on how easy they are to use, particularly if one is single handed?
Thanks, Scott

[A30_John]

Hi Scott. I'm thinking of something similar. I'm also looking at the possibility of a solent stay which runs from the masthead to a point just behind the existing forestay. No running backs are required. Have you looked into this possibility? I too am looking for a good singlehanding solution.

[Scott]

Hi John,
I hadn't thought of that. I must look into it. I was just researching and trying to educate myself on the best methods of setting up a small boat up for off shore sailing. The back stays seem to give that added rigging security, but added complication as well. I guess the best thing would be to canvass those folks who have actually taken a Triton or A30 across an ocean and see what their recommendations would be. Anyone have any comments they would like to share?

[Ceasar Choppy]

I've taken a 42 foot center cockpit with running back stays across the Atlantic-- just not a Triton or A30.

While the inner forstay and staysail were a godsend (it was the most used sail the entire trip), the running backstays were at most a pain, at least an inconvenience to manage. Besides tripping over them, you had to remember to set them whenever you set the stay'sl. Sometimes, we would only set the windward backstay, but you had to remember to set the other one if you tacked.

I like the idea of a solent stay for my own boat.

[windrose]

I agree with Ceasar, the running backs are a pain and I always needed an extra person to tack the boat with me. Windrose came with both running backs and a "baby stay". I ditched the running backs immeadiately but kept the baby stay.

I've got a pair for sale.... ;-)