I am considering removing the original backstay from my boat and replacing it with TEC12 line or something similar to save weight aloft and reduce mainsail chafe. I'm racing PHRF only and plan to keep the wire backstay should I ever have the opportunity to race OD. I tend to run the boat with very little backstay until the wind picks-up, in fact when I step the mast I only thread the backstay turnbuckles enough to expose the holes to insert split rings.
Questions for the Forum: do other guys keep their backstay as loose? With the swept-back spreaders, I assume the rig can stand at dock and sail in light air (under 5 kts) without a backstay.
I am becoming a fanatical about the weight of the boat and am trying to find opportunities to reduce weight without compromising my PHRF rating. The backstay is about the last left... unless I look at the forestay as well... hmmm...
