MacGregorSailors.com

Ok even without the RAT I just had to do something with my rig. The Upper Shrouds were snuggish but the lower were floppy loose and when sailing hang about like a washing line. Terribly bad form. So I tried to adjust them using screwdrivers Yawls and the like. For the life of me I could not do it. "OH Bill a RAT My kingdom for a Rat" (Or should that be a horse).............

Had an idea, Broke out the unused mast raising kit. Pristine condition. Set it up put the tension on; the forestay came loose(ish) and disconnected it for the first time. (I have the luxury of a mast up yard by the slip) Glad to see everything was ok not worn etc. With the forestay loose the Shrouds were aswell so it was a case of adjusting them, best guess, and then putting it back together.

Down hard on the mast raising kit and all my weight on the forestay. She who must be obeyed slipped the pin in and hey presto!

The shrouds are now tight top ones a bit more so than the bottom. I have yet to test sail it. Thats planned for this wekend. I am hoping she will now point better and be more responsive without turning up to much. I'll let you know.

By "turning up too much" I assume you mean weather helm.
Your adjustment would actually tend to have tilted the mast aft a bit and will likely make weather helm a little worse.

If so, the mast needs to be tilted forward a bit, by tightening the turnbuckle that is hiding under the roller furler drum, and letting out a bit on the shroud adjusters.

JOY RAPTURE!!!!!!

It's now a different boat, FANTASTIC!!!!!!

It was blowing some this wekend F5 F6 wind over tide and a novice crew. But the lovely lady was pointing towards wind on a close(ish) haul at 4.1Knts with stock Jib only. Now that felt brilliant and i'm sure is down to the rig being adjusted properly.

Thanks to everyone for the inspiration information and encouragement.

Mork (Alias Leon) signing off Nanu Nanu