[andert]

I have an Allied Seawind ketch with two sets of stays on the mizzen. One set is set slightly before the mast, and augments the forward tension of the spring stay that spans from the masthead of the main to the masthead of the mizzen. The second set is set abaft the mizzen, and provides sufficient tension aft to keep the mizzen from falling forward. Oddly, no spreaders on the mizzen. Looks a little weird, but the mast is short in relation to the beam, and apparently there is sufficient angle without spreaders. There is an adjustable stay, consisting of a four-part tackle attached to a wire stay that leads to the back fof the masthead fitting...this adjustable stay can be attached at the deck on either side by way of a snap shackle...it is designed to be used opposite a mizzen stays'l. Seems to me that backstays too far aft wouldn't allow for the mizzen boom to swing sufficiently forward during a run or broad reach.