Backstay Adjustment Fittings

Wichard is the leading European manufacturer of top-quality backstay adjustment hardware. There are three options for tensioning and release: winding on wheel, pumping a lever handle, or pumping a lever handle with a ratchet mechanism to prevent accidental release.

Adjustable Backstay Benefits

• Tightening the backstay creates extra tension on the forestay and pulls the mast aft, improving upwind pointing ability.
• Loosening the backstay should allow the mast to move forward while still supported. This reduces weather helm and eases the stress on the mast and rigging when downwind sailing.

Backstay Adjustment Methods

There are three common methods to achieve backstay adjustment: Hydraulic Ram Operated Tension, Rope Purchase System (running backstays), Manual Thread Winding

All of these can be applied directly to the rig or as part of a split backstay arrangement, which can immediately double the power of adjustment and halve the rate for finer tuning

Wichard Backstay Adjuster Tension and Release Mechanisms

1. Winding on a wheel
2. Pumping a handle (lever)
3. Pumping a handle (lever) with a ratchet to ensure no accidental release during tensioning