backstays and gaff rigs

[Rick Thompson]

I have undertaken the restoration of a 22 foot Bermudan sloop that I would like to convert to a gaff rig. The boat is a conversion made to a lifeboat hull (Titanic vintage!) based on Nordica plans. I have had experience with my old Tancook schooner vis-a-vis gaff rigs but that boat had a bumpkin to support the marconi main (the fores'l was gaff rigged - with a fisherman stays'l no less). My current project has a small bumpkin but in order to provide a backstay to clear the gaff it would have to be very long. I suppose my question has to do with whether or not I can do without a backstay and if I can, what will restrain the mast on a run or reach? The mast is solid, 26 feet long, and stepped in a tabernacle on the foredeck.