Do I need forestay tension

[Gary]

I am in the process of re-rigging my Bristol Channel Cutter with Dynex Dux. At the same time I am setting up a new furling system for the jib and other sails out on the end of my bowsprit. I will be using a bowsprit traveler (ring) to run out a code zero furler, then set my sails flying. My forestay will no longer have sails attached to it. It's only purpose will to be to hold up the mast.

The Question: Do I still need to use the same strength wire (Dynex), and do I still need to set up the tension at 1500-2000 lbs?

Cheers,
Gary

[Brian Duff]

Same Load,

A lot of forestay load comes from mainsail!