Damaged sidestay

[jefflw]

While stepping the mast on my DSIII the forestay got caught up with one of the sidestays resulting in the sidestay getting a curve in it as it wrapped around the forestay. The sidestays were already connected to the chainplates. I lowered the mast and straightened the curve in the sidestay before stepping the mast again and adjusting the tension. However I now have approx 3/4" to 1" section of the sidestay where the outer wires are no longer tightly wound. The inner wire looks ok. I managed to sail with it like this.

What are my options? Is there something I can do to get the outer wires in this area tightly wound again? Can I leave it alone and still sail like this. Or do I need to replace the sidestay?

Tx

[algonquin]

I would say that it is still probably pretty strong and will handle most conditions as is. I had a similar situation with a side stay on my Venture Newport 23 and sailed for years off the coast of Jersey with no lingering effects. Main difference was that the boat had dual stays so I wasn’t particularly worried about it. I did eventually replace it and you may also want to add it to your winter to-do list just to give you the added assurance. Brad