Another added a solent stay (taking the stay from the masthead to a point on deck about 1/4 back way back to the mast to avoid adding runners. Maybe it all boils down to how you use your boat and personal choice and staysail & runners are the way to go?
I gather that you don't have a cutter stay on your 39 ? Do you know if she is set up for one ?
The track has been removed and the holes filled, albeit poorly, but I believe my 39 was set up with the adjustable car on a track that ran from just in front of the forward hatch to a few feet from the bow. Other than a reinforcing plate running full lenght of the track there was no other support. The track apparently spread the load of the stay along the deck? Haven't gone so far as to inspect where the stay mounted mounted on the mast, maybe at the masthead.
One issue with fitting one on Senta II is that the only logical attachment point on deck is at the forward bulkhead which is right behind the pulpit. Otherwise there would have to also be a removable stay down through the v-berth to carry the load to the hull. That is very far forward, probably too far forward for a solent which was my first choice after reading Mike Perham discussing how he used his.
-Sven
Hi 39 folks,
In deciding whether you want a cutter rig and/or a baby stay I think a few things need to be determined for each sailor and area. Here in the NW we encounter lots of days going to windward and running. Tacking to get anywhere around here is a way of life. Being said, a boat (any boat) with a inner forestay is a Royal PITA tacking every few minutes even if you do not have the staysail set. I'm sure there are those in favor for open water use but my ocean experiences kept the staysail in the bag. Mast support is another issue. An inner forestay and /or baby stay can keep the mast from pumping when the boat is encountering large seas.
The 39 is a good sailor to weather in a large variety of wind strengths. I set my boat up with a large furler and use a variety of sails. I prefer sailing with the proper sail but the large furler allows reefing in heavy air conditions when needed. I have a short hoist (42') x 17' ft #3, a 48' x 21' #2 (used most of the time) and a 50'6" x 27' #1. The #3 is high cut and can be rolled/reefed, too. If we are going to weather in 25+ this is our sail. Off the wind I prefer the versatility of the #2 rolled up.
I can imagine a cutter rig could give more/(better?) options. Is it worth the effort/expense?
Whatever ideas you have, please resist any that includes a clubfoot boom. They can be incredibly dangerous flailing about while setting or stiking a sail or gybing. I think the 39b for sale in Seattle has one?!
I feel that any inner forestay or baby stay should have a attachment to the hull with wire or rod and not to a bulkhead or deck fitting. I've included a picture where the baby stay is on my 39. There is a connection to the hull just forward of the door in the stateroom. On the double spreader rig I suppose one could go from the uppers.
I'm sure my 2 cents muddies the waters! but different ideas that work are always good!
Regards,
Dal
E39 "Stillwater" #36