I had a very interesting meeting with a local sailmaker re a set of sails for the PS. The most interesting part of the discussion was the question, why I would bother with 9x17 wires for the stays ( both, mast- and bob- ). An equivalent 4mm Spectra line ( Dyneema, or the like ) is stronger, much lighter, soft ( it doesn't attack the paint work ), less expensive/easier to install. Obviously, the appropriate knots and splices will have to used. Spectra even comes in a silver colour! I am seriously considering this option. Does anyone know, whether there are there any particular reasons that steel is necessary in this application ?
Cheers,
Peter