Photos of running rigging

[eodum]

So...I am in the homestretch of an almost 3 year project now...refitting of #351. When I bought this boat in July 2021, I figured I would have it in the water by Christmas....little did I know it was going to be 3 Christmas' later. I did not take photos like I should have when I was disassembling and I am old now, so 3 years ago might as well have been a lifetime. If any of you have photos of your setup, particularly in and around the cockpit...it would be much appreciated.

I have a pretty good idea about the traveller....but pretty clueless on the backstay... I was sorting out the block and tackle yesterday and there is a Harken 092 cheek block I think is for the backstay...but not sure...I am scratching my head, because if it were for the backstay, I would think there would be 2 identical cheek blocks for the coaming on P & S sides.

Also, the spinnaker cam cleat towards the cockpit seems to be one of the more modified areas on the boat....from my recollection of casually peeking at 7.9's I have seen. I am curious what mods if any you have made and why....would be content just seeing how the factory setup for the spin....And I am looking at the original owner's manual and I don't have any of the snatch block or shackled ratchet block shown in the image...so, I have no idea how the previous owner set up his spin...but it doesn't matter, I guess....I would appreciate any insight on how you are set up...

Anyway, your photos will help to jog my old memory ...thank you in advance for sharing what you have.

[AJ Oliver]

Many of us now use a simple cascade system with a kicker on the top of the mast to prevent hang-ups where the backstay gets close to the mainsail.

It is an easy google.

I went with an 8:1 but most folks use more.

<img src="https://i.redd.it/erfn0302zrl71.jpg" alt="Finally installed my tillerpilot! : r/sailing"/>

[reidmefirst]

Hey that's my backstay .

How the backstay attaches in your cockpit will depend a lot upon your boat's layout. Mine was redone a few years ago, they use a bit of a different setup from the factory. The owner manual shows quite well how the original backstay hooked up in the cockpit. You can find it on the class page (currently: https://s279.org/content.aspx?page_id=86&club_id=856789 , navigate to Technical Documents -> Original S2 7.9 Owners Manual to retrieve the PDF).

On 493 Sea Change we run all the spinnaker controls (halyard, pole up/pole down) on the starboard side of the cockpit, and use the jib/genoa halyard on the port side along with the main halyard. I think that's the normal way of doing things on these boats nowadays, just note that the owner manual has the jib/spinnaker halyards on the opposite sides.

[eodum]

Many of us now use a simple cascade system with a kicker on the top of the mast to prevent hang-ups where the backstay gets close to the mainsail.

It is an easy google.

I went with an 8:1 but most folks use more.

<img src="https://i.redd.it/erfn0302zrl71.jpg" alt="Finally installed my tillerpilot! : r/sailing"/>

that's a terrific image, AJ.....thank you!

[eodum]

Hey that's my backstay .

How the backstay attaches in your cockpit will depend a lot upon your boat's layout. Mine was redone a few years ago, they use a bit of a different setup from the factory. The owner manual shows quite well how the original backstay hooked up in the cockpit. You can find it on the class page (currently: https://s279.org/content.aspx?page_id=86&club_id=856789 , navigate to Technical Documents -> Original S2 7.9 Owners Manual to retrieve the PDF).

On 493 Sea Change we run all the spinnaker controls (halyard, pole up/pole down) on the starboard side of the cockpit, and use the jib/genoa halyard on the port side along with the main halyard. I think that's the normal way of doing things on these boats nowadays, just note that the owner manual has the jib/spinnaker halyards on the opposite sides.

Thank you....I think part of my issue was I didn't understand that most had modified their backstay...and why they did it. I was looking at photos that appeared nothing like mine (the original wire setup)...and it was confusing me

[AJ Oliver]

And I might add that most 7.9er's who changed to a cascade system

did so in large part because the cascades are significantly lighter than the old stainless pinching gizmo,

especially in terms of weight aloft.

(I am not an expert, and would welcome any corrections)

[eodum]

Do you remember the size of the blocks you used, AJ? I am assuming the dyneema is 5/16?

[SailingUphill]

and

[SailingUphill]

3/16 dynmeea backstay and first stage on adjuster.
The line running back through the blocks, 40mm harkens, is 1/4 inch samson double braid.

[AJ Oliver]

Dear Mr. Uphill -

I note from your excellent photos that, like many 7.9er's, you have the control lines for the backstay . .

leading up to the traveler within easy reach.

Question: Do you play the backstay during a race?

. . . other than letting it go out when turning down wind ??

If so,how? Thanks

[SailingUphill]

I do crank on the backstay to depower upwind. The mast on my boat though does not curve much, but it does eliminate headstay sag.

I have played around with the idea of more purchase, but not sure to what end.

[eodum]

Thank you for all the comments, guys!

Would you mind telling me what block you are using on the trailing edge of the mast flicker?