Bart Senior wrote:
Thanks for the input Gary. However I still would not
under any circumstances take the main down until
removing the load on the gennaker. In particular, if I
had an expensive carbon fiber mast, I would never risk it.

All Rob Shaws' designs, but one, are small boats. The
largest 10 meter boat does not have masthead support
per his answer at Sailing Anarchy.

BTW, the Cheetah 30 was designed by Bob Ames.

http://www.bana.com/cheetah/descomnt.htm

I wrote Bob Ames to see what his answer is. I'll report back
when I get it.


"Gary" wrote

I asked the guys at Sailing Anarchy about the backstayless racer and the
kite that we were discussing. Check out the designers answer:
http://www.sailinganarchy.com/



Great idea. I think you'll find that the rig is as strong as if it had
a backstay. I would take the chance. If it broke then it wasn't strong
enough anyway.