Roger Long wrote:
Yes, but why store them on the cap shrouds when not needed and have
the chafe and useless weight? Why not have them functioning as
redundant lower shrouds with enough back angle to help keep the mast
in column against the inner stay?

Unless the inner stay is also removable, there are things other than a
sail that can put loads on it. Missing stays and going aback with the
headsail laying against the innerstay could put a big load on the mast
and put it out of column in an extreme situation. Having the
backstays stowed in a position where they provide some support could
be a rig saver.

I have a staysail stay and runners on my boat. The staysail stay is
removeable but quick to set up. When it is set up the runners are
needed in heavy airs but only to windward. The runners run down to a
slide on the deck that can be moved fore and aft so I could stow the
runners quit far forward with them still providing support. In fact I
have never been out where I needed them on this boat. All their use has
just been to prove the system.

Gaz