DaySailer.org Forum

Just finished upgrading my standing rigging with new 1/8" shrouds, heavy duty spreaders with boots, forestay with the quick release from D&R and yes, a flag halyard on the starboard spreader. Being a Navy vet, I have to fly the ensign.

The quick release works really great. You adjust the tension on the shrouds to your liking with the release open. Close the release, which shortens the forestay about 1", insert the pin and the shroud tension is set perfectly.

I have to give this word of warning. Closing the quick release takes a little bit of effort and tensions the rigging, when opening it to release tension to unhook the forestay, keep your fingers out of the way. Try to control the lever as the tension is released, like to cut my finger tip off as it got pinched between the lever and stay. A learning experience! John

Yup, the lever is a good thing, but you definitely need to "respect" it!

Fingertips are necessary for proper fine tuning of sheets, as well as for holding your beverage of choice whilst sailing ... ;-P

With the quick release open, is the forestay easy to attach? or do you need some kind of mechanical advantage?

If not, this looks like the thing I've been looking for (currently using the trailer winch on a halyard to pull the mast far enough forward to attach).

--john

Yes, it gives you 2" - 3" of slack when open, but it still helps to use the jib halyard to hold the mast up while you pin the forestay.

When I step the mast, which is hinged, and usually single-handed, I hook a cargo strap from a bow cleat to the gooseneck slot. When the mast is vertical, I tension the cargo strap enough to hold the mast up until I can fasten the forestay. It takes about the same force to fasten the forestay with the quick release open as it did on the old forestay without the quick release. When the release is closed, the rigging is tensioned considerable. I can now twang my shrouds, but the note eludes me. I must have a tin-ear!

John