How to Set the Backstay on a Sailboat

The backstay is part of the standing rigging that runs from the masthead to the stern of a sailboat. The main function of the backstay is to provide aft-oriented tension to counter the forward tension of the foresail and forestay. On boats with running backstays you need to set the backstay after each tack and use the backstay to control sail shape.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get the lazy side ready. The leeward backstay is the one that needs to be made ready since this is the side that is unused. Before you move into a tack, get the backstay line free from coils and kinks. If you have a spare winch, put a wrap around it with the backstay line so you're ready to pull and then tighten the backstay once it's windward.

2. Release the windward backstay. Just before you tack, or as you move through the tack if you have enough crew onboard, release the leeward backstay. To do so, take the line out of its cleat or remove the break. If you want to ease the backstay from its set position then wrap the stay's line around a winch aft of the break or cleat and ease the backstay into a slack position.

3. Perform your tack. The backstay needs to be changed to the new windward side after the tack. So, perform your tack and get back onto course with your sails set on the new tack. Once everything is in order, use the wind to increase the tension on the backstay until it is tense but not overly strained.

4. Adjust the backstay for performance. As you sail in different winds and points of sail you should use the backstay to change the shape of the sail. This gives you another mechanism to improve the boat's position and speed. Try increasing the backstay tension while sailing downwind in strong winds and doing the opposite when sailing upwind.

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