<< This is probably an impossible question, but is
there any rule of thumb on these shroud adjustments? P15. >>
You should have them as tight as you can, and then one more notch! If it is
not difficult to attach the forestay when you are rigging, it is not tight
enough. Be careful when adjusting the adjusters that they pull equally, in
other words, that the mast is centered left and right and that the mast rake
is correct for a very slightly weather helm, meaning that if you let go of
the tiller under sail, the boat rounds up into the wind, but not so much so
as you have to hold the tiller too hard under sail. If there is too much
weather helm, you will be slowing your boat down and putting a lot of strain
on the rudder, which would probably break eventually. It may take a little
experimenting. You should be able to get a good "twang" when you pluck the
stays. Note that even when you have your stays tight, when you are sailing
in a stiff wind, you will notice a little slack in the lee sidestay
(shroud)).
Geoff
P-15 Lollipop
N. Lake Tahoe, NV