set up the masts so they had a substantial rake aft (say 4 or 5 degrees) as
they sat freely in the partners and mast step. Then, the top of the mast
would be bent or “stived” forward by headstay tension, minimizing the
requirements for additional fore-n-aft staying. Though this was effective
on such traditional craft with solid wood spars, it’s not recommended
for modern yachts.
Rake does not increase forestay, backstay, or shroud load. The
mast is installed at the proper rake, not bent aft from vertical
on modern craft.
Dave Gerr is a chartered engineer and a fellow of the Royal
Institution of Naval Architects. He’s the Director of the
Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology and chief designer
of Gerr Marine, Inc. He is the author of Propeller Handbook,
The Elements of Boat Strength, The Nature of Boats, and
Boat Mechanical Systems Handbook, all published by
International Marine/McGraw-Hill.
(Gerr52) 52-foot aluminum ketch Magic
Moment, designed by Gerr Marine,
with pronounced mast rake.
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