Clipper Race Training | Running Backstay - Part 2

In part 2 of 2 Ben Bowley, Clipper Race Chief Instructor demonstrates how to send the running backstay forwards after completing a tack or gybe.
The four levels of Clipper Race Training takes place on both Clipper 60 and Clipper 70 yachts, both types of yachts are cutter rigged and use running backstays. Running backstays provide support to the middle parts of the mast and help counteract the force of the staysail. They are sent forwards (lazy) or brought aft (active) depending on which tack the yacht is sailing on. They can also be used to adjust tension on the inner forestay to suit sailing conditions.
This video is one of a series of videos produced to complement and support the Clipper Race Training Programme. Playlist of all the videos can be found here: • Clipper Race Training
For further information on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and its training programme please visit www.clipperroundtheworld.com

[@mishpatim123]

Runners are in fact a comination of standing and running rigging. They can be applied or removed depending on the sail set and/or the maneuvers in the sailing route.
We always used them on our Sigma 362 and will continue to do so on our new Glacer 47.
The first thing is to mount them aft of the boom so that they cannot interfere with it.
The exact position should be ‘prescribed’ by the yacht architect or rigger.
Runners prevent the ‘pumping’ of the mast when using gennakers or spinnakers. Most people think that they’re only designed to counteract the force put on the mast by the foresail(s) but they have multiple functions.
This video shows how to put one runner out of the way (for example at the lee side) when not in use, the one on the windward side is then set in time in the correct sequence when tacking or gybing.
Nice deck layout to have a long line that puts the block in the runners alongside but quite far ahead towards the bow. It can’t jam if both lines are kept under mild tension. I’d use low friction rings with dyneema anyway.
Considerable forces are exerted on the runners and it is therefore always good to have them, even on touring yachts. They do a great job supporting the mast.

[@poly_hexamethyl]

The backstay of the mast attached to a winch? I would have thought that would normally be permanently attached to the boat? I'm not sure I understand what is going on here. Can anyone explain?

[@PineappleOranges]

I’m still trying to understand the runners myself, but it seems they are to support the mast for the staysail. They don’t attach to the masthead. Unless I’m mistaken, the boat still has a permanently affixed back stay that is attached higher up the mast.
I think the issue is that the mainsail would get in the way if the runners were fixed, so your travel would be limited. Since these are not fixed, you can remove one of the runners and still have support for the staysail. The tricing line that gets mentioned is just to move the non-active runner forward so as to be out of the way and out of the way of the mainsail.