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Backstay, the racing sailor’s secret
6 August 2025 · 3 min · 2K views
What this video covers
Tensioning the backstay serves as a primary method for controlling sail shape and mast bend on both fractional and masthead rigs.▶ 0:03 On modern fractional rigs, tightening the backstay bends the mast, which flattens the mainsail and reduces heeling in heavy air.▶ 0:55 This action simultaneously increases forestay tension, flattening the headsail to improve pointing ability and speed.▶ 0:03 On older masthead rigs, the backstay primarily functions to tension the forestay rather than induce mast bend.▶ 1:50 Sailors should apply significant tension when sailing upwind in strong breeze, often to the point of creating a slight bulge in the luff of the mainsail.▶ 2:30 While racing boats typically feature high-purchase systems for manual adjustment, cruising boats may require a winch-based system or an aftermarket installation to achieve sufficient tension.▶ 2:58 Owners of boats with in-mast furling must release backstay tension before furling the mainsail to prevent damage.▶ 3:08 Professional riggers suggest that mast failure from over-tensioning the backstay is rare, encouraging sailors to pull as much tension as they dare.▶ 1:50
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