Huh? Could explain just what the backstay has to do with the length of
the luff?



"Capt" Rob wrote:
Martin, the headboard has to able to clear the backstay at the top of
the mast.

That's why there's a little piece of metal sticking out of
the back of the mast at the top, to fasten the backstay to.

In fact it is so well known (by people that sail in the real
world, as opposed to the Matrix) that Hall Spars features it
on their logo
http://www.hallspars.com/Nav_Images/btnLogo.gif

This is called the 'crane' and any headboard should easily
clear it.

Modern boats with a lot of roach often carry a springy piece
of fiberglass across the top of the mast to 'pluck' the
backstay out of the way when there is less tension on it.
http://www.vanvlietzeilen.nl/foto/melges24.jpg
http://www.northsailsod.com/class/me...-Marseille.jpg

Fresh Breezes- Doug King