The forestay on a sailboat allows the headsail to be rigged. It can have several characteristics that give it different functions. What are the different types of forestay installations?
On a sailboat, the forestay is part of the standing rigging. This cable holds the mast longitudinally from the front. At the same time, it has a second function, which is to rig a headsail. On a sailboat with a single mast, the forestay connects the bow of the sailboat to the mast. When the forestay connects the bow to the top of the mast, it is called a masthead rig. If it connects the mast at an intermediate height, it is called a fractional rig.
The Forestay for Rigging the Headsail
The forestay allows rigging all types of sails, except spinnakers. It can be used to rig a genoa, jib, or solent, for example. Either the sail is rigged with snap hooks, or the forestay is equipped with a furler. The furler makes it easier to stow or reduce the headsail. Indeed, in this case, the sail can be reduced or furled without going to the bow or changing sails. This applies to the genoa or jib, among others.
However, the furler is not suitable for all situations. While it is practical for cruising and in normal conditions, the furler may not be sufficient in other situations. In such cases, other solutions must be chosen.
Hollow Forestay, for Racing and Sheet Eaters
The hollow forestay is a system installed directly on the cable itself. This system avoids the use of snap hooks. It has the advantage of maintaining an optimal sail profile.
At the same time, hollow forestays are often double-grooved. This allows a new sail to be hoisted before the old one is lowered. This system is therefore highly appreciated for equipping boats used for racing. The furler has no place here. They are made of composite materials for weight savings, especially in height.
Removable Forestay, for Heavy Weather
The removable forestay is an additional, mobile cable. It allows hoisting an extra sail or replacing the sail on the furler. Finally, it can also replace the main forestay in case of an incident. This forestay is mobile. It can be detached from the bottom and brought back to the base of the mast when not in use. It is often found on cruising sailboats during offshore programs.
Indeed, these various functions are very useful. For example, in heavy weather, it allows hoisting a truly suitable sail. This will be more effective than a furled genoa that is poorly positioned and sagging.
The removable forestay is located behind the main forestay and is positioned lower, at the level of the mast. At the bottom, an adjustable turnbuckle is installed. Some owners now use textile cables instead of traditional cables.
Which Sails to Rig on the Forestay?
There are several types of headsails on a sailboat that are rigged on the forestay. Here is an overview of the main headsails:
- Genoa: This is the most common headsail on modern sailboats. It is larger than a jib and covers a larger portion of the sail area at the front of the boat. The genoa is often furled around the forestay to facilitate handling.
- Jib: This is a smaller and flatter headsail than the genoa. It is used for stronger winds or for sailing upwind. Like the genoa, the jib is often furled around the forestay.
- Staysail: This is an even smaller headsail than the jib, used for sailing in stronger wind conditions. It is often rigged on a second forestay, called a removable forestay, which allows it to be hoisted and lowered easily.