I'm with you, Dave. Although an EE by later education, I've been
mechanically inclined and trained since birth and tend to put a lot of
stock in intuitive analyses, more qualitative than precise. My stomach
aches when I think of yanking on the backstay w/ a 12:1 purchase, for
the reasons you mention and for the sake of chainplate connections.
Then again, I'm a _cowardly_ engineer and have arranged things such
that the (shroud) chainplates' connection to the hull are the only
single points of failure in my sailing rig.
I shudder to think of that big stick coming down, but believe me,
Judy, I defend your right to explore the edges of the envelope -- so
long as it is with foreknowledge of possible consequences. I just
don't wish to do so and risk a failure out in the islands somewhere.
I suspect that those Potterers less skilled and knowledgeable than you
should or do share my feeling. Different strokes and all that -- as I
note you are always careful to point out.
Regards,
Bill Combs
WWP 19 #439 (Aug 1987)
"Ursa Minor"
Fort Walton Beach FL
ttursine@gnt.net