445/455/458 - Inner forestay/running backstays/storm jib

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Inner forestay/running backstays/storm jib

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 445/455/458
Forum Description: 445/455/458 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15423
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:29
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Inner forestay/running backstays/storm jib

Posted By: 458ShadesOfSpray
Subject: Inner forestay/running backstays/storm jib
Date Posted: 29 October 2025 at 16:38

Hi all, this is my first post here, so please be gentle..!

Firstly, I'm so glad to have found this group, what a resource and a great bunch of responses from helpful, like minded people.

As per my title, I'm looking to install a dyneema inner forestay on my Hanse 458. I think I have the front deck pad eye construction/reinforcement detail down. I'm now looking at the back stay positions/construction etc. Anyone who has done this who could offer any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

Very happy to share details of what i have uncovered, thus far, if it could be of use to anyone else.

Many thanks,

Rob

Replies:

Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:02

Welcome Rob.

I am part way through adding a permanent furling staysail to my 445. The process has thus far been fairly straight forward. I am working with a very experienced and well respected NZ boat builder (he has done numerous retro fits for stays on production boats). My boat already had large pad eyes added towards the stern (with backing plates added). We will use these as the strong point for the runners.

We have just finished the deck work , I will send more info and pictures of the stay , runners etc once they are in place. The mast work is currently being finalized but on the face of it is also not overly complex (I am working with a rigger who also has experience in these jobs). We are waiting on confirmation from Selden in terms of our plans for the mast tangs etc.

The stainless work was custom and he has done a very good job in not making the cabin look too industrial (IMO).

Of note to all fellow owners was the reply I got from the builder to my query around how much additional reinforcement would be needed to the bulkhead..."it is hugely strong! That bulkhead is 60mm think ply and glass". He was very impressed with the build quality.

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H445 #210

Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:04

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H445 #210

Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:05

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H445 #210

Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:06

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Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:14

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Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:21

In terms of the sail itself , we are likely to use the self tacker track and existing running rigging , we will lose some sail area with this solution but the sailmaker is of view not enough to make the sail ineffective and this will mean we do not have another set of sheets in the already very crowded (with sheets) cockpit.

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Posted By: 458ShadesOfSpray
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:22

Ah Matt, this is AMAZING! Thanks so much for your comprehensive reply and photos!

That does indeed look pretty straightforward and your rigger is doing a great job. Please do keep me updated as work progresses.

Many thanks,

Rob

Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 30 October 2025 at 21:41

Thanks Rob , will do. For context , we upgraded from a 355 earlier this year with the goal of heading offshore in the near future. Would not bother for coastal but after having done an offshore passage on an Oceanis 46 with a furling staysail I think it is worth the effort to add one if possible.

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Posted By: Etre Jeune
Date Posted: 09 November 2025 at 09:39

Nice work Matt,

And thank you for sharing, I was wondering where the chainplates would go, if I ever got around to doing the mod. I can imagine the extra stay will be a great addition, it always worries me, we carry a storm jib, but I guess, 99 % are lucky to ever be deployed. Getting a working headsail off the foil to hoist the jib, would be a titanic task in heavy air!

Would love to hear your feedback on sailing performance with Genoa and staysail in use.

Cheers Richard

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R Stock

Posted By: mattplowman
Date Posted: 18 December 2025 at 00:27

We have just completed the staysail project:

Furler: Furlex 204S (8mm).
Runners: 7mm Dyneema DUX on Selden blocks.
Staysail: We have utilized the existing self tacker track and rigging (we dropped the size of the sheet from 12mm)

Likely to have our first sail with the new rig plan this weekend.

Over all this project was pretty straight forward (it definitely helped to have rigger , boat builder and sail maker all with experience in these production boat staysail retro fits) . All mast work was done with the rig in place and in accordance with Selden mast recommendations / specifications.

Will update on how she sails with the new addition over the season.

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