Hi Jake, The best batten tensioning system does not require tying. It uses cloth straps and plastic fittings that allow you to very quickly and easily tension the batten and lock it in place. It takes the flick of a finger to ease the tension when done. The Mystere 4.3s all came with this system and it is really sweet. I haven't looked, but it is probably available from Murrays.

Having said that, I tested Rick's method of not releasing batten tension all season a several years ago, convinced that my Hobie 18 dacron main would be permanently stretched at each batten pocket at the end of the season. It was not. I was surpised, but with this simple batten tension system we have on the Mysteres, I still adjust the tension each time because it is so easy and I have to take out the top batten (flathead) each time anyway.