When to bend

[RichandHelen]

We have a big boat (47') with a carbon fibre rig. Question is this: In a non-race situation is it necessary or recommended to remove load from the rig before bending the mast with the hydraulic backstay adjuster? For instance, when cruising with a full main up, the wind picks up to the point that I would like to flatten the main - do I just go for it or head up a bit to remove load before doing so? The issue is not the adjuster. It provides plenty of force to do the bend easily in high winds. Thanks!

[Breaking Waves]

just go for it