by tomodda » Sun Jun 14, 2020 4:14 pm
Perfectly normal. As solid as it looks, the mast is basically a big metal noodle. Pick it up horizontally from the midpoint one day and you'll see. I'd guesstimate that the masthead falls off to leeward about a foot when you're hard pressed on a reach. It's especially bendy above the hounds. Anyway, just make sure you have something (usual a wire wrap) to keep the stays secure on your spreader tips.
Upgrading to 1/8 inch stays and heavy duty spreaders from D&R Marine is well worth it, IMHO. Peace of mind... Spreader boots are nice too, though not really needed (the jib never overlaps the spreader tips).