Rigging? Cap shrouds on a Pahi 42. Does it need'em?

[Michael Briggs]

Hi, I'm new to the forum but have a very specific question. The Pahi 42 I just took possession of has no cap shrouds. The two backstays go to the center of each hull just behind the rudder post, so they provide pretty good support.

There are chainplates for them, but no shrouds at the masthead, and there is no place to attach them at the masthead (unless you take off the diamond shrouds). There are diamond shrouds that go to the masthead, and lower down intermediates (running) backstays to balance the staysail stay and of course two lower shrouds each side.

Is this normal? Is it OK?

It makes me a little nervous and I'm being a bit more conservative on sails now.

Thanks!!

[boatsmith]

pics or drawings would be good. 

At first thought it does not sound right, but maybe this is a rig style I'm unfamiliar with

[Andy Best-Dunkley]

Hi - I have a Pahi 42 with a fairly conventional rig. Forestay, shrouds, and backstay to the mast top, then inner forestay and shrouds for the staysail. Just above where the inner foresaty joins the mast there is one cross-tree for one set of diamond shrouds. I don't have the lowest set of shrouds as I believe the diamond is giving the needed stiffness. The backstay divides about 5-6m above the deck, with the two backstays then leading to chainplates on the inner sides of the hulls just behind the rear beam. You can maybe make this out from the photo!