Typhoon Weekender Headstay Tension

[Jim1945]

It's been a long time since I've owned a boat with a fractional rig and those that I have owned did not have a backstay. With the Ty it appears that it would be difficult to get a significant range of tension on the forestay. With the lower shrouds attaching significantly lower than the forestay mast attachment point any tightening of the forestay just puts a forward bend in the upper portion of the mast. The attachment point of the upper shrouds are very near the forestay attachment point but I'm assuming that the uppers don't really provide much resistance when tightening the forestay, but I could be wrong on that, not having had any experience with the Ty. I know I'm overthinking this but what is the right way to tension the forestay? Is it really possible to make it tight so there is little slack (without contorting the mast)? A tight luff on the headsail is necessary for upwind performance and good sail shape.

Any help is appreciated. BTW, I did search Typhoon forestay tension and didn't find specific answers. I may be able to find info on the internet for head stay tensioning of a fractional rig for any FR boat. I will do that search as well but was interested if anyone here has any thoughts on this.

One thing that helps tighten up forestay tension is when you sheet in the main when close hauled and the use of a boom vang also helps. I think not having forward lowers allows for some tensioning.

[svreleaseme]

I don't think you want the head stay real tight. I believe the standard tuning is to have about 4 to 5 inch of give when you pull on the stay half way up. I find that this gives the standard small jib a nice shape and enough of a draft to give some power. When the head stay is too tight I think you will find that it flattens the sail too much for such a small sail. Now if you are flying a bigger head sail, such as a 120, depending on the cut the sail, the tension on the head stay may vary. Regardless, because of the way the rig is built you can't put too much tension on the head stay before you start to deform the mast. This has been my experience anyway.
Regards,
Randy

[Petersen]

I have had 2 Typhoon weekenders and know that my head/back stays and shrouds are ok when I can sail with decent wind on all points of sail and notice that the mast remains straight (line up with fixed/straight object on land), level with no bends and there is no evidence of any slack or sag on any stays/shrouds. Mid season, just tighten, as needed in equal fashion on both sides and head and back stays. Don't over tighten or over think it.
Hope this helps.