Continued: Fractional, in-line multi-spreader rig, deck-stepped mast, forward and aft lower shrouds. Alternatively baby stay and aft lower shrouds. (Equivalent one-spreader rig is tuned in the same way.)

• A new rig on a new yacht will need adjusting after sailing for some time. When the tuning at the end of the first season is satisfactory, mark the setting on the rigging screws. This makes it easy to tune the rig at the start of the next season. • Forestay tension is adjusted using the runners. The windward runner must always be tight. Very tight when beating. Mark your runner tackles at the positions which give the best trim on different points of sail.

19/20 rig and similar

Cap shroud max 25%

This is a fractional rig with a short distance between the masthead and the forestay fitting, which is a good compro- mise between the well-tensioned forestay of the masthead rig and the fractional rig’s flexible mast and easily-reefed, efficient mainsail. Runners are not required to obtain sufficient forestay tension. Making the right choice for the length of the unsupported mast in relation to the fore- triangle height and longitudinal stiffness of the mast section gives an optimal mast bend both in hard winds (high forestay loads and considerable mast bend/flat mainsail) and in light winds. The spreaders may be in-line or swept aft. The forestay tension and the mast bend/ mainsail fullness are varied through adjusting the back- stay tension. The backstay must not be eased completely for the reasons given below.

Backstay max 20%

48