Sailing yesterday, there was someone setting up a brand new Hobie 16. He had the mast up and the forestay fastened but the mast was leaning back at a 20 deg angle or more. Shrouds were loose. I suggested that the forestay was way too long but he said he checked with the dealer and was told it was correct and that all was normal. He said he had the Aussie set up for jib halyard tension but I don't believe that is related. Is this normal on new boats or did the dealer just want to avoid the problem? In earlier posts someone worried about the mast coming out of the socket if stored without the sails on the beach. The shrouds on this boat were so loose there is no doubt that could happen.

Yesterday in NC on Jordan Lake I had all the wind I needed and it blew steady all day. We were screaming across the lake and even passed a pontoon boat. He was moving slow but I don't think he expected a sailboat to go by.

Howard