On Sun, 04 Jun 2006 19:48:53 -0400, DSK wrote:

One way to figure loads on various hardware, deck fittings,
and the like, is to look at how much strain would be on a
tow line pulling the boat at speed.

Interesting idea but that is not how the professionals do it. I once
had the pleasure (or misfortune) to work with Ben Hall designing a new
rig for my old Cal-34. I wanted to increase sail area by turning it
into a fractional rig, same fore triangle, larger mainsail.

The first thing that Ben wanted to know was the righting moment
(stability) of the hull, because that was the ultimate determinant of
how much rigging load could be created.