Lazy Running Backstay and Checkstay

[BlueChicago]

My new-to-me sailboat has a bendy mast with both running backstays and checkstays.

The running backstay and checkstay converge together and then attach to a single block and tackle.

On the lazy stay, I can't seem to figure out how to have some tension on both the running backstay and checkstay at the same time. The braded line checkstay is loose and flailing. I'm not clear how it is normally secured.

I'm sure it is something simple and obvious, but I am missing it.

Any clues would be appreciated!

-BC

[JPA Cate]

Blue Chicago,

We use a bungee to secure the lazy backstay, pulled forward. It does flop around, but not very much. Of course, this means one has to go a ways forward to undo it before using it. Hard on the wind it is not much trouble to leave it loose, but you're going to want it as you're tacking or gybing, so you have to coordinate its use. You want to get it tight as you're going through the eye of the wind, before you finish the maneuver.

Ann

[BlueChicago]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Blue Chicago,

We use a bungee to secure the lazy backstay, pulled forward. It does flop around, but not very much. Of course, this means one has to go a ways forward to undo it before using it. Hard on the wind it is not much trouble to leave it loose, but you're going to want it as you're tacking or gybing, so you have to coordinate its use. You want to get it tight as you're going through the eye of the wind, before you finish the maneuver.

Ann

Hi Ann,

Your response got me searching my phone in hopes that I took some shots while out on the boat with the former owners. I did, and found a photo showing the running backstay secure and taught, with the checkstay loose and flailing.

Not sure if I need to be concerned or not.

Thanks!

-BC

[Bleemus]

Bungee cords to bottom of shrouds. If you can reach your checkstay when it is run forward they each get a bungee of appropriate length. When tacking upwind you only need to slacken the leeward one slightly.