Hi guys. Revamping a late 80's hull. Trying to wrap my brain around the multiple rig setups. Was wondering if anyone has tried mounting the upper shrouds to the top of the mast rather than the hounds. Seems like a simple solution to prevent leeward mast bend without using jumpers.
Scott

Hello Scott,

Running the shrouds to the mast head would inhibit the lee mast bend as you suggest. However one school of thought holds that as the pressure increases at the top of the rig the lee bending of the mast is beneficial as it allows the main to twist off depowering the top of the rig. As far as the jumpers are concerned, their main job is to control the fore and aft mast bend in the top third of the mast thus controlling the top third of the main sail camber. Others here may very well be able to add more information and another point of view.

Take care,
Fred