Wooden spar tuning

[Russ L]

Hi Hank,
The tuning posts (and Brion's video) are excellent sources of reference. They are contingent on the shrouds and mast specs being proper. There is no practical loading difference on a metal mast vs wood mast in the same application. Mast loading is a function of righting moment, so at 30 degrees of heel you have the same "mast loading" regardless of material. To tune for less loading on a wood mast means you would need to adjust your sailing habits to account for lower loading, thus your boat will not perform as she should.
The move to different mast materials is largely performance (less weight)or manufacturing (less skill, reliable supply, cheaper) concerns.

Cheers, Russ

Originally Posted by traderhank

After reading the various posts about tuning the rigging, it seems that the tensions applied to the shrouds and stays maybe too much for a wooden mast. Am I correct, or should the tension on the rigging be different (as in less)?