Reply To: Mast staysail fitting

Dear Paul

The baby stay serves two purposes. You can hank on a sail which will help with windward performance and it also gives support to the mast, helping to keep the mast intact.

If the boat crashes onto waves in heavy seas the mast will try to flex in the middle and it could break at that point. By supporting it with the baby stay it will minimise that flexing. The stay should be under some tension to pull the mast slightly forwards to get the best effect.

If you only want to sail short distances and in good weather you might not want to fit one, but if you intend to go to sea, do reasonable mileage or go out (or get caught out) in heavy weather then yes you should fit one. Regards Geoff