Here is a link to a photo (not my boat)

https://www.cruisersforum.com/attachments/gallery/1/6/8/1/runner_setup.jpg

On Sun, 22 Jun 2025 at 20:07, Ken Heaton <[email protected]> wrote:

> As I understand it, Running Backstays are the upper ones, and the
> Checkstays are the lower ones.  On our mast both are made of Stainless
> Steel Cable, and the Runners are twice the diameter of the Checstays.
>
> Where they meet the Checkstay has a small tackle between it and
> its attachment point to the bottom of the Runner so its tension can be
> adjusted separately from the Runner.
>
> The following is from a post inSailing Anarchy.  I think it is a good
> explanation of what they are used for:
>
> Masthead:
>
>
> 1. Stopping the mast from pumping in a seaway is one function, for sure.
> Just snug the runners and checks if you've got them enough to stop the
> pumping. Pretty simple.
>
>
> 2. Matching the draft (power) in the main and headsail. In any condition
> you optimize shape for wind vs sea state and whether you're in point mode,
> foot, etc. Once you get the headsail set up how you like it, (halyard
> tension, lead position, sheet tension etc.) imagine that you've got tons of
> backstay on to get the sag out of the forestay. Then you look at the main
> and it's ridiculously flat. No power at all. You sight up the mast and it's
> very bent, hence the flat main. Use the runners and checks if you've got
> them to take some of the bend out of the main, say from 12 inches down to 6
> inches on a 40 footer. That puts some shape back into the main and gives
> you the power to punch through the chop building in the afternoon sea
> breeze. A very good use for runners. They let you balance the power in your
> headsail and main.
>
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Sun, 22 Jun 2025 at 19:23, Languid Refiner via CnC-List <
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
>> How do I tell the difference between checkstays and running backstays?
>> Would all four on the 37R be running backstays? Or are the lower two
>> possibly checkstays?
>>
>> -Oden
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