Submitted on August 1, 2002 by Ray Mclaughlin

Question: Hi, First some background. I have a Bristol 32 with full battened main with a modest roach overlap of the backstay. I plan on putting a longer backstay crane (with no bending moment) and a main with more roach. When I first got the boat (1975) Arthur Knapp sold me a working jib of 180 square foot area and (thick wood) battens. It worked beautifully. I later added an inner stay and after a while the batten pockets needed repair to the extent. I took them out and had the roach reduced. Never worked as well.

Finally the question: I would like to get a working jib with battens and keep the inner stay (which is about 4 feet behind the headstay). Would softer tapered battens make it easier on the sail passing over the inner stay? Would they be effective? Dacron or what?

Thank You, ray

ps, want to stick to hank-on jib.

Answer: Hi Ray, Increasing the size of your backstay crane may not be worth the effort or expense. If you make a simple scale drawing you will see that the gain in area between the mast and backstay is very small. We can make a sail with a significant amount of backstay overlap that will clear the backstay easily in any breeze over about 5 knots of true wind.

The roach can't be pushed right to the top like on an America's Cup Class yacht, but a big crane will not allow more than a couple of inches difference at the top batten. Modern, epoxy and fiberglass jib battens will be much more durable, smaller profile and lighter than the wooden battens that were used in 1975. Also, the battens can be tapered to a very flexible front end. However, they still won't allow you to tack the sail through the 4' space between the two stays on your boat. You will always be struggling with batten pocket repairs.

You might consider setting up your boat with a removable inner stay. The stay can be equipped with a turnbuckle and fastpins on both ends - between the deck and turnbuckle, and between the stay and turnbuckle. Johnson Marine makes a nice turnbuckle with folding handles for quick adjustment and sells if for a reasonable price. There are a number of other similar models on the market. With the stay removed from the turnbuckle, it can be tied off near the main shroud base when not in use. Then you can have a working jib with battens that tacks and gybes easily.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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