RI 18-01
FORESTAY REPLACMENT
Q1: There is no one in my area that has the equipment to replace a rod forestay. Since the rod ends have to be headed once the luff tube is installed, are there any options for using a different forestay?
A1: Yes. The class recognizes that not all locations have access to riggers capable of repairing or replacing rod rigging. Therefore, the rod forestay may be replaced with 1×19 wire with a minimum diameter of 7 mm. This size wire has the same or greater strength and the same or less stretch than rod but does come with a weight penalty.
Note: This change is NOT approved for the shrouds or backstay. Since those can be ordered remotely, coiled, and readily shipped, there is not the need to authorize a substitute.