All the rig tension comes through a boat breaker, similar to a mainsheet set up on a cat (lots of purchases :P)
The one we had on the 49-er was only 4:1; it could never put more then 200 to 300 kg of tension on the forestay.
My catamaran 7:1 mainsheet however can easily achieve 600 kg forestay tension as my boom is over 2 mtr long and my forestay bridles are only 1.35 mtr in front of the mast. These difference in leverage result in an additional 1.5 magnifying effect. Effectively resulting in a 10:1 boat breaker. I have to have at least 3 mm dyform or 4 mm 1x19 wire on my forestay or risk breaking it.
Try that on a 49-er. (or 4:1 boat breaker)
No really guys. I really don't believe the skiffs have such high rig tensions in comparison to high performance cats.
Wouter
