How to set up the rigging for a “gold mast” Thistle version?
As you recognize your mast is quite stiff and needs all the help and encouragement it can get to bend. Unfortunately there’s only so much you can do. Loosening the diamonds up a great deal is very helpful. I would set the top diamonds so they actually have a wiggle to them of about 1/2″ each way…therefore they won’t register at all on the gauge. Be sure to tape the wire in the screw head. For the bottom two sets I’d set them up with a tension of no more than 3-5 on the Model A gauge. Again tape the wires in the screws. Once sailing I’d look up the mast to be sure the mast is straight, or hopefully, bending sideways to leeward at the top. If not adjust the diamonds accordingly to straighten the mast where needed. Try to maintain the same low tension. I’d set the rig up with about 25-30 on the forestay using the Model A gauge.
