I am posting this while sipping on a glass of warm bourbon. It is raining outside but the 'Piper is fully rigged in the backyard, with sails bent on. I have been away from this forum since the start of the America's Cup. Also a number of spring projects kept me from connecting to this site. It is great to be caught up.

The S.S. backstay fittings that have been in the works for at least 2 years are finally mounted: both of them. And, the shrouds have been relocated aft about 12" from the original locations. The genoa sheets lead to the cabin top, inboard of the shrouds. The U-bolt shroud attachments have been replaced with S.S. chainplates strapped to the outside of the hull (the teak rub rails were removed a few seasons ago). The chainplates were specially designed to ensure that the turnbuckles could not fall over and then kink while stepping the mast(as discussed on this forum last year, thanks).

The genoa does not touch the shrouds in the new position (does anyone know what size/percentage is the Sandpiper genny?) The leech of the mainsail just kisses the backstays. With tension on the backstays and with a slight induced bend, I don't think that the mainsail will make contact. I had my heart set on a new full-battened, broad leech mainsail. However, the backstays just suit the standard mainsail perfectly. I suppose that I saved myself a few dollars!

I am glad to read that you sailors had a great winter. It's good to be back.