Double Forestay

[Russ L]

Hi Alan,
Tha

[Russ L]

Hi Alan,
Sorry for the dufus on the reply, but I think you can guess my opinion by the title.
The image of the twin forestay looks like a horrible set-up. You are correct with concerns about lack of toggles and halyard fair leads. A couple of other major concerns are (arrr) genoa wrap on the adjacent forestay and the improper loading of two forestays.
Check the Fairleads section regarding the evils of twin backstays, <http://www.briontoss.com/education/a.../miscapr99.htm> the evils of twin forestays are compounded as the dynamic range of loading is much greater.
The genoa wrap will happen (it's not a matter of "if") and it will be windy and you will be in a harbour, because of the protection, and it is possible your cussing can send a fair lady into the cabin so she doesn't need to hear it! Don't ask me about this, believe me, I simply know.
The principle of the idea (a hank-on stay & furling) has merit. Search out information on the Solent stay. It's basically a removalable forestay that is terminated near the forestay at the mast and stem. The result is proper loading and fair leads.
Brion's book is an excellent source of reference.
Cheers, Russ