[quote=grayton_sailor]Actually the forestay doesn't have to have any tension on it. Once you pull the jib up, it becomes the forestay.
You'll want to adjust your side shrouds up a notch or 2 allowing the mast to come forward so you can attach the forestay. However, you'll want to keep the mast raking as far back as you can get it on an H16. SO adjust one notch at a time equally on both sides.
BTW, it helps to attach the forestay with the pin already though one half of the adjustment strap.
Another BTW. Stepping the mast can easily be a one person job.
1) leave the boat secured to your trailer.
2) mount a single pulley high up on your mast support cradle.
3) undo the jib sheet on one side or the other from the cam cleat on the front crossbar.
4) run a 25' length of line through the cam cleat and fairlead forward under the bridle and through the pulley on the mast support and bring it back to the jib halyard.
5) pull all the slack by pulling the halyard up and cleat it off where you normally would on the mast.
6) now step the mast keeping pressure on it forward simply reach down and grab the line coming through the cam cleat pulling out all the slack and keeping it in the cam cleat. Once it tight you can let go of the mast and attach the forestay at your leisure.[/quote]
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