Running Backstays

[John Bannister]

I am currently the proud ownwer of a 35.5 which has a split backstay (fixed). As the boat is cruised mostly and raced occasionally the backstay tension is more or less left static. I do however feel that by indroducing a running backstay I could get better windward performance especially in med to heavy winds. Has anyone else out there mdified their rig to this configuration and if so what were the results ?Thanks in advance

[Michael McCann]

You must be talking about making your "fixed" backstay 'adjustable'. Running backstays are attached to the mast below the masthead, and can interfer with gybing, and /or tacking. There are two running backstays, and only one is in use at a time, usually the windward one.