Fractional Rig / Beneteau First 42 - ok to remove baby stay and inner forestay?

[Enyar]

Had some technical difficulties tacking which I don't remember having when my Dad was around. The genoa kept getting caught on the inner stays and now I'm thinking my dad probably moved these when we were sailing upwind.

Can I attach these to the base of the mast in upwind/light conditions?

[Rumrace]

Yes you can. Your Dad rigged it up to handle 3 quick sail changes. He’s awesome.

[Rumrace]

If your concerned about your rigging just find the year they were last done. Most insurance companies demand rigging is replaced every 10 years. Classy Dad buying a FIRST.

[Enyar]

Originally Posted by Rumrace

If your concerned about your rigging just find the year they were last done. Most insurance companies demand rigging is replaced every 10 years. Classy Dad buying a FIRST.

All new sails and rigging just before he passed. Sad he won't be able to enjoy them but I'm sure he will be laughing as we bugger them up!

[Jim Cate]

Enyar, I'm not familiar with that specific design, but disconnecting the staysail stay (the forward one of the inner two) is likely to be enough to avoid the genoa hangup and will not overly weaken the rig under modest conditions. When you try it out, watch the mast for pumping or bending in an unusual manner... but I doubt if it will be a problem for you.

In most designs, the baby stay (the aft one of the pair) is meant to control bend and avoid pumping, so best to leave it in place IMO.

And BTW, I applaud your efforts to maintain your emotional contact with your dad. I'm sure that he would approve and delight in your adventures.

Jim

[MJH]

Originally Posted by Enyar

Had some technical difficulties tacking which I don't remember having when my Dad was around. The genoa kept getting caught on the inner stays and now I'm thinking my dad probably moved these when we were sailing upwind.

Can I attach these to the base of the mast in upwind/light conditions?

Your dad's boat is a sloop and the inner stay was added on later for use in storm conditions. So, yes you can disconnect it and store it until needed.

That said, when it is being used you always tack the jib first and the inner sail, known as a staysail on a cutter, second...the inner sail keeps the jib from hanging up. It took me awhile to learn that after buying my cutter. Try it once before disconneting the inner stay for practice.

Good luck.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

[Enyar]

Originally Posted by MJH

Your dad's boat is a sloop and the inner stay was added on later for use in storm conditions. So, yes you can disconnect it and store it until needed.

That said, when it is being used you always tack the jib first and the inner sail, known as a staysail on a cutter, second...the inner sail keeps the jib from hanging up. It took me awhile to learn that after buying my cutter. Try it once before disconneting the inner stay for practice.

Good luck.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

Thank you. We pretty much only use the genoa and the mainsail. I'll have to dig through these other sails to see if we have a jib or anything else.

[Jim Greer]

I have a 6'roller on the baby stay and the 140% genoa never gets hung up there.