jib stay [R27]: Rigging used to support the jib sail, running from near the top of the mast to the jib club to help maintain the shape and tension of the jib.
The terms “forestay” (R17) and “jib stay” are often used interchangeably. It is really not appropriate to do this. These are two different components of a model yacht. Forestays were very prevalent on early model yachts but serve little purpose on R/C models. Some people put them on their models for appearance and others for support when they are rigging their boat.
Forestays restrict the ability to control the sail shape using the backstay (R01). Additionally, when setting up your model yacht, the jib rack (R26) is positioned further aft than where it would have been for a freesailing model. When you use the 20–25% rule for the location of the jib swivel (R28) on the jib boom (R04), the front end of the jib moves close to the bow of the boat.
There is a high probability of interference between the front of the jib boom and the forestay if one is used. The materials we use today are so strong, that if the jib is built correctly, the jib stay and the jib swivel will handle the loads applied to them.
Jib sail to mast attachment.
The jib stay is made up of 90-lb nylon-coated stranded leader wire, two sleeves, braided fishing line (R32), and a bowsie (R06). In model yachts it passes through the lead edge (the luff (R34)) edge of the jib sail and attaches to the jib club fitting (R24) and the forward mast tang (R42).
Sources
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- Bowsie – Select medium and black or red in an appropriate quantity. Available from SAILSetc.
- Bowsie – Pekabe 309 Bowsie
- Cyanoacrylate adhesive (thin) – High quality adhesive – available on Amazon.
- Line – Braided fishing line w/abrasive resistant fibers – select 100 lb. rating. Available on Amazon.
- Sleeve – AFW #5 leader sleeve – Available on Amazon.
- Wire – Coated stranded fishing wire (90 lb. test) – available on Amazon.
