Staysail Lead on Cutter Conversion

[lobodoug]

I am converting my Morgan 461 into a cutter rig (currently a sloop w/a high aspect rig and large foretriangle). My problem is figuring out how far off the centerline to set the staysail leads. I have read of one method: the angle from the tack to the fairlead should be 10 degrees from the centerline of the vessel, but this has been only in reference to dinghies. Is the same a good rule of thumb for larger boats? The 461 is a cruising boat with a long fin keel, not particularly deep, and 13.5' beam on a 39.25' wl., so is not exactly an upwind machine, but I hope to improve her performance upwind (currently limited, I believe, by the wide sheeting angle of the genny, lead outside the outboard shrouds). Any help would be appreciated. Thx, Doug

[Russ L]

Hi Doug,
10 degrees is the figure I start with for larger (than dinghy) boats as well. Bear in mind that each sail aft needs the inboard fairlead angle to less than the preceding sail. Since the apparent wind to each sail is "shifting" as we move aft.
The high aspect rig is an attempt to improve pointing ability.
What is your sail inventory? Unfortunately large fore-triangle rigs require more sail changes.
In your case, if you have a large Genoa, low clewed, you may be close to the 10 degrees while lead to the rail. This sail is your main driver to windward and the best choice for pointing in light to moderate conditions. As the jibs get smaller, if the clew stays low then the lead will need to come inboard from the rail ñ for close-hauled performance.
Adding the inner stays'l on itís own may not accomplish much. You need to consider the whole headsail inventory as a system. In order for the inner stays'l to be effective the genoa and jibs must be matched so they compliment each other. My previous boat was a true cutter and I didnít fly the staysíl when close-hauled until I changed down from the genoa. The installation of an inner stay creates a myriad of hardware concerns. Running backs or jumpers, tang placement, shrouds, deck hardware landing and more (including some calculations).
The best advice I can offer is to call Brion for a consult. He has experience overcoming the practical deficiencies of the large fore-triangle configuration. It will be the best partial boat token you will spend on this project.
Cheers, Russ L