The standard equipment C-22 backstay pendant is simple and handy for holding up the aft end of the boom when the mainsail is lowered. It also works fine to keep the boom from swinging around when the sailboat is docked or anchored. But it’s not very convenient for shorter crew members to reach and it won’t help you when reefing the mainsail. In fact, it can be downright dangerous for that. A better solution is an adjustable topping lift mounted on the boom within easier reach.  It will also let the boom swing free of the backstay when you need to slack the main during reefing.

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