Running backstay

The backstay is part of the standing rigging on sailing ships and generally refers to a rope that supports a mast or spar aft (to the rear ). A runner is not always present when other parts of the standing rigging fulfill this function adequately. Today, a runner is usually a alternative or in addition to the backstay inserted in pairs Shoring, from the upper part of the mast diagonally running on both sides aft, and thus also absorbs lateral forces. Backstage count for standing rigging, even if they are implemented in maneuvers.

Term

On ships without a backstay spars is sometimes alternatively referred to as synonymous backstay, and / or counted among the shrouds or backstays as a generic term. A preventer is also referred to as a " runner / a backstay, the / which can be cast off ".

In maritime usage, the terms are also used as follows:

• When you sail trim is called the free command of the backstays that the yards or the tree just now do not touch the backstays / backstays
• In a Backstagbrise the sails are downwind out.

Function

One needs Backstage either when due to the sail shape (eg Gaffelsegel ) a backstay is not possible, or to be able to bend the mast to adjust fine. In ancient ships and the backstays are partly designed so that they can be used as Arbeitstaljen.

In general, they are designed solid but can also be eased in individual cases, such as when they are posted on a movable topmast.

The backstays attack in the amount of forestay fittings on the mast. If they are to serve as Arbeitstalje, they are equipped at the bottom with hooks which are hooked in the eye appropriate.

Are the spreaders swept back, can be dispensed with Backstage. Then take the cap shrouds the task of Backstage. This leads to a substantial simplification of handling the case of yachts.

If possible, the fierbaren backstays remain enforced. If the sail shame profiles to the backstays for one, can not ease out far enough on the other hand, only the windward backstay is tensioned to counteract the pull of the sail to leeward of the mast, and thus to prevent the breaking of the mast, respectively. For yachts so you can additionally enforce the forestay tight. The leeward backstay is then slackened during the tack or jibe, but only after the ship has gone by the wind. When running the Stags as Arbeitstalje it is unhooked and occupied at designated thimbles or the leeward shroud. This is necessary because the hooks can flap apart with loose Stag and then pose a threat to the vessel and crew.