260 Mod: Backstay Flicker and Adjuster

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NOTE: The backstay on BlueJ has been upgraded from this system and is documented HERE. The portion about the flicker is relevant, but a better solution exists for the backstay. Both work of course.

For maximum performance, a 260 should have a mainsail cut to its IMS-MAX girth dimensions. This is the maximum sail area allowed under most handicap systems without penalty. The roach of this sail, however, will extend well past the backstay, and in lighter air will catch when passing on a tack or gibe. To fix this problem, two modifications must be made.

FLICKER
At the mast-top, a fiberglass batten must be secured to the masthead. The batten will have a stainless steel clip on the aft end, and the backstay will be led through it. When the backstay is released, the batten will straighten and hold the stay up and off the roach of the sail, The sail can then be tacked or gibed without worry of the sail getting stuck. When the backstay on on, the batten bends and the stay tightens as expected.


But there is another issue. The factory backstay very unique adjuster system that has VERY limited range of adjustment. Fine for normal use, but not enough to allow the backstay to lift with the flicker. As you can see in the picture, the factory horizontal bar only has several inches of moment at its stay attachment point in the middle.


So it has to be replaced. It is an easy process, and adds more purchase as a benefit. The first step is to have your existing backstay shortened professionally by 18 inches. Put the same type of end eye back on, and place a medium size high-load block on the end.

On the boat, remove the entire backstay adjuster, and splice a length of 6mm dyneema to the outer of the two deck rings. Run the dyneema up and through the backstay block, and to a small sized 6:1 block set which is attached to the inner deck ring. Measure the dyneema for correct length, and cut, leaving enough room for your splice or halyard knot. make sure it is sized to allow full range of motion. The finished stay should look like this:



Your backstay is now ready for a full roach main. In addition, it is easier to play as the purchase has been increased to 12:1. A great modification.


Comments

  1. YouenJanuary 6, 2022 at 12:22 PM

    Hi
    Can you tell me the length, width,thickness of your flicker and how did you fixed it
    Best regards
    Youen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. clayJuly 19, 2023 at 8:14 AM

      Sorry I just saw this! Do you still need the details>

      Delete
  2. JosepOctober 31, 2022 at 10:07 AM

    That is how the newer First 25.7 is. It does not have a fiberglass batten, but it has a block with 4:1 ratio, fixed with a dyneema rope. Newer First 25 does not even have a Backstay!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. clayJuly 19, 2023 at 8:15 AM

      Yes much better. Both the 260 27.7 and the 300 had this strange lever-bar setup.

      Delete

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