Date: 4/9/2009
Name: Mike Chesser - Chief Measurer
email: mchesser@hughes.net
subject:Backstay Materials
I encourage anyone who is not a member of the Class Association to please consider joining. Many of the questions that arise about what is allowed, and what is not, are covered in the Class Associations Handbook and Specifications, the most recent copy of which is available to all Class members.The material and configuration requirements for the backstay on the SJ21 are spelled out in the Class Association Specifications as follows:
3.3 Article III: Mast and Boom, Par 7:
....A split, mechanically adjusted backstay is permitted as an alternative to the standard single stay and turnbuckle arrangement. Backstays must be of original sized wire. Non-wire adjustable backstay devices must have a wire "safet" strap in place around the adjustable line. All backstay-tensioning devices, when fully "relaxed", must not allow the mast to go further forward than 90 degrees from the water line.There have been numerous posts, diagrams, and/or photos in the past for some excellent adjustable backstay systems that meet the class requirements and include very powerful cascades and/or multi-purchase arrangements, typically led forward on both sides of the cockpit for easy adjustment by skipper or crew. These provide excellent sail shape control.
Mike Chesser
Chief Measurer
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