Good one, thanks for the input. It's sounding like a Dux stay could be the way to go, though, Evans, I have to agree that chafe would be a worry for a sail set for a long passage w/o going to soft hanks. Looking at the Colligo 'softies', seem simple and could work if they don't come loose when sail flogs w/o load.

I'm trying to decide how to tension the stay. Options I'm considering are either a highfield lever (expensive, heavy, ABI no longer made, but proven for the use), a plain turnbuckle (not too spendy, should work, though not quick to rig and unrig) or the Colligo spectra lashing gizmo. (Paul, I'm assuming that's what you went with.)

I like the idea of the old technology of the Colligo, but doubt that I could get enough tension in the stay for storm conditions. Boat is a Kelly Peterson 46, so the loads are pretty heavy for both working staysail and storm. If I could tension it sufficiently, that would be my preference though. Any thoughts on this, or other means of tensioning?? Or should I go w/ Highfield or turnbuckle??

Thanks Adam Seattle