rig research

I was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas on possible ways to measure tensions in all parts of a yachts rig, i.e. measure shrould, forestay, mainsheet, gib sheet etc. forces electronically. The aim of which is to be able to calculate sail force and direction.
also a discussion of the usefullness of this would be appricated. I am trying to evalute this problem for my final year dissertation project and hope to begin pratical testing of my theory's soon

cheers

 

I think there are now "load cells" that can be fitted right to the rigging. I expect you could get them at
http://www.navtecnorsemangibb.co.uk/