J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum Racing Tools and Techniques Headstay Tension

Josh,

Make sure the forward edge of the mast base is positioned 1" back from the molded lip at the base of the mast. This needs to be set correctly. It sounds as if the mast base is too far back (make the mast top too far forward). Also make sure the mast is centered and blocked at deck so the dimensions are 3505 + 13mm = 11'6" + 0.5" stemhead tip to mast front edge ( Rules paragraph 5.7.3).

By centering the mast, it means a straight line from bottom of keel, through center of boat, to top of mast - all in line. This can be done on the hard with a plumb bob sighting about 60 feet behind the boat, or a laser level. Note that the mast may not be centered in the partners when this is done.