Step-by-Step
Instructions For Boats with a Split Backstay
1
You
can make a “phantom” backstay: Tie a spare
length of line to the head of your pointer.
2
Run it through the three hanks and
tie it to the foot of the sail, leaving loops of, say,
six inches at both ends. Once created, the rope loop you
have fashioned will remain on your sail when you put it
away in the bag. (see diagram)
3
Attach
the main halyard to the loop at the top. Tie the pennant
through the loop at the bottom.
4
At the foot of the sail, where the
logo is, attach a rope pennant long enough to reach from
the deck to above the level of the boom. Find a convent
point to tie down the pennant. A toe rail or pulpit railing
will do. The pennant serves as down haul that lets you
adjust the height your Banner Bay Pointer.
5
Attach a rope to the clew of the
sail, which will point towards the bow of the boat. The
rope should be long enough to reach your mast, boom, shroud
or wherever you intend to tie it. (Note: some boats work
well with the Pointer rigged several degrees to one side
or the other, crating a permanent “cant” to
the wind.
6
Raise
the top of the sail with your main halyard to make it
snug along the backstay. A firm pressure is all that is
needed.
7
Bring the clew rope forward and
tie it off firmly to the boom, mast, or shroud. Make an
effort so the invisible line of your rope bisects the
angle of the Pointer so the up/down pull is equal. This
will make the sail flat.
8
Lock you rudder in the center position.
Or experiment, as some boats work better with the rudder
locked to one side a few degrees.
