Exactly. The skiff, as it is currently designed, has higher "static" rig tension compared to a cat. There is virtually zero mainsheet tensioning used to tension the leech of the main or to tension the headstay on a skiff. Therefore, almost all of the headstay tension on a skiff comes from the side stays.

In an 18ft skiff, I don't see how the tension in the shrouds could possibly be lower than a comparable size cat. The skiff shrouds anchor further inboard yet the rig generates more power due to higher righting moment.

14s and 49ers are smaller boats with smaller (upwind) rigs than most cats so their rig tensions may be lower.

flame on...