forestay [R17]: A piece of standing rigging that keeps a mast from falling backwards. It runs from the top of the mast to the bow and is sometimes just called a “stay”.
The terms “forestay” 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 model yachts. Some people put them on their model yacht for appearance and others for support when they are rigging their boat.
Forestays restrict the ability to control the sail shape using the backstay. Additionally, when setting up your model yacht, the jib rack 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 on the jib boom, 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. Thus, it is not necessary to use a forestay.
Sources
If you wish to add a forestay to your boat here are the materials necessary to make one. It should be made adjustable, so it would look very similar to a backstay.
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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.
- Hook – Multiple choices with our choice linked. Available from SAILSetc.
- Jib rack (Type L) from SAILSetc – one hole (need two)
- 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.
