Running backstays, commonly referred to simply as "runners," are temporary or movable stays used on sailing yachts to provide critical aft and lateral support to the mast. Unlike a permanent backstay that is fixed rigidly to the transom, running backstays are typically rigged in pairs, leading from the port and starboard quarters of the vessel to a specific point partway up the mast. In modern yachting and offshore navigation, these components are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the rig, optimizing sail shape, and ensuring the safety of the crew, particularly on cutter-rigged vessels, ketches, and high-performance racing yachts.
The fundamental mechanics of running backstays revolve around managing the complex aerodynamic and compressive loads exerted on the mast. When a yacht sails upwind, the headsails generate massive forward-pulling forces that can induce unwanted mast bend or inversion. The primary permanent backstay counteracts the top of the mast, but running backstays are strategically positioned to oppose the forward pull of inner forestays or staysail stays. By applying high tension to the windward runner, the crew prevents the middle section of the mast from pumping or bending excessively under wind load. Because these stays lead to the sides of the boat rather than the centerline, they must be actively managed during maneuvers; the leeward runner must be eased off to prevent it from snagging the mainsail or boom, while the windward runner is tensioned to support the rig.
Understanding the practical application of running backstays is best achieved through real-world operational scenarios. When a captain of a cutter-rigged yacht announces over the comms, "Prepare to tack, get ready to swap the runners," the crew knows they must execute a precise sequence to maintain mast stability. As the bow turns through the wind, the previous windward runner is quickly eased, and the new windward runner is ground in tight using a winch. Another common scenario occurs during heavy weather downwind sailing; even if the staysail is dropped, a captain might leave the windward runner tensioned to brace the mast against the rolling motion of the sea, preventing fatigue and structural failure. Furthermore, racing yachts frequently adjust running backstay tension to minutely control mast bend, thereby flattening or deepening the mainsail camber to optimize aerodynamics for varying wind conditions.
Properly executing a runner swap requires flawless crew coordination and an understanding of the rig's mechanics. The sequence for handling these stays safely during a tack or jibe typically follows these steps:
- Communication: The helmsman or captain clearly announces the upcoming maneuver well in advance to ensure the crew is positioned at the correct winches.
- Easing the Leeward Runner: Just as the turn begins, the crew responsible for the new leeward runner slowly eases the tension, allowing the mainsail to pass without interference.
- Tensioning the Windward Runner: Simultaneously, the crew on the new windward side aggressively cranks the winch to apply immediate aft support to the mast.
- Fine-Tuning: Once the yacht is settled on the new tack, the runners are finely adjusted to achieve the desired forestay tension and mast bend for maximum sailing efficiency.
There are several common misconceptions surrounding running backstays that can lead to confusion among novice sailors. A frequent error is assuming that running backstays function exactly like permanent backstays. While a permanent backstay remains static during standard tacks and is usually adjusted only for overall rig tension, runners must be continuously swapped and actively managed. Another misconception is that they are only necessary when sailing upwind. In reality, running backstays are often crucial when reaching or running downwind, as the forces of a bloated mainsail or spinnaker can cause the mast to buckle or pump violently. Lastly, sailors sometimes confuse running backstays with checkstays. While both provide support, checkstays typically attach lower on the mast and are primarily used to control the overall bend of the lower spar, whereas true runners support the specific attachment point of an inner forestay.
The safety and operational significance of running backstays cannot be overstated. A slack runner on the windward side during a heavy gust can allow the mast to invert and snap, leading to a total dismasting—a life-threatening emergency, especially in remote offshore waters. Furthermore, proper management of the runners directly impacts the yacht's performance. A correctly tensioned runner eliminates forestay sag, drastically improving the pointing ability and aerodynamic efficiency of the headsail. Failing to ease a leeward runner during a jibe can result in severe damage to the boom, broken rigging, or fatal injuries to the crew from snapped lines or flying hardware.
In conclusion, running backstays are a vital, dynamic component of complex yacht rigging systems, offering necessary support and performance adjustments that permanent stays cannot achieve alone. Their correct usage demands a thorough understanding of structural mechanics, precise timing, and vigilant crew coordination. Whether navigating a grueling ocean passage or racing around the buoys, mastering the deployment and management of running backstays is a fundamental skill that separates competent sailors from true maritime professionals, ultimately ensuring both the safety of the vessel and the efficiency of its voyage.