Tackling Tensioning
<< Trying to Build a Better Deadeye >> When the hinged mast is raised on Zephelios , it will be self-supporting while undressed. When hoisting the square sail, the head loads will be transmitted to the yard and normally absorbed by the braces. As a safety backup, I will attach two running backstays to support the mast should the braces fail or be inadvertently released. To tension these stays, I plan on using a 3:1 block-and-tackle arrangement. Block and tackle with 3:1 mechanical advantage I used a similar system on Sqoop (for details, click HERE ) which was simple and reliable. The downside was the need to attach and feed the 1/4” lashing line (aka “lanyard”) through the thimble and D-ring each time I wanted to install each running backstay, and reverse the process to uninstall; this eventually became a tad tedious. I decided to do a bit of innovating and see if I could find a better way. During the Age of Sail, deadeye t...