how to stabilize mast?

[ronriley]

Hi

I have a 70s IOR style sloop with a simple rig: forestay, backstay, capshrouds, lowers and a babystay. The capshrouds and lowers share the same chainplate and are inline with the spreaders, i.e. the only stay providing an aft pull is the backstay. The babystay is attached to the coach roof to a beam between the heads and the forepeak. The mast is stepped on the coachroof. There is a compression post below the mast.

In a seaway the mast pulls the babystay which, being on an unsupported arch, moves the arch up and down. (The bulkheads are bonded to the hull but not to the deckhead). I find this movement unsettling. This movement would seem to be a feature of the design of the rig.

I've been thinking about fitting checkstays or fitting an eye to the bottom of the babystay's attaching bolt, and then taking a wire down to a fitting on the keelson. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this matter.

Many thanks

Ron