DSK wrote:
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/


I saw that, but didn't think of our earlier discussion. For one thing,
the rig of the Shaw boats is a bit different, the upper stays go right
to the mast head. He says the main doesn't add any support, but I'm not
convinced. If you look at the picture lower down on the same page of the
Shaw 25, the main is not eased very much (it's not on the spin sheet,
which runs to 1/2 way out the rack) and the leach is only slightly open.
This is in fairly light air though.

It's out far enough to have the lee spreader pressing against it. Like
Mr. Shaw says in his answer, "We run the gennaker on a tight reach with
the main inside out often so it's not doing much for you then. "

In that photo, the main is certainly not holding the mast up

While I agree that "if it breaks, it wasn't strong enough" there are
certain things you should not expect to do with certain boats.

I think I have to go with the designers comments. He trumps you.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King