bermuda rigged sailboat

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The Bermuda Rig – National Museum of Bermuda

The Bermuda Rig – National Museum of Bermuda

By Jane Downing, Registrar, National Museum of Bermuda

Sailing, once essential to daily life, is now mostly confined to the arenas of recreation and sport. In this sailing-focused year, though, it’s worth remembering that sailing is source of Bermuda’s most important contribution to the world—the Bermuda rig.

The exact origins of the rig are unknown. One theory is that the prevailing southwest winds, dominating the most heavily travelled route between St. George’s and the rest of the island, favoured the development of the famous rig, which maximised windward efficiency. The rig was first commented on in 1670, in an account of the ship Marygold’s visit to Bermuda: “With tripple corner’d Sayls they always float about the Islands, in the World there are None in all points that may with them compare…”

Early roads were poor, and these small work and family boats were the equivalent of today’s trucks, cars and buses, ferrying freight, mail and passengers between wharves up and down the country, as well as performing essential maritime activities such as piloting, fishing, whaling, and salvage. Indeed, until the opening of the causeway connecting St. George’s to the rest of Bermuda in 1871, this was the only form of transport and communication with Bermuda’s oldest port. It is no surprise that Bermudians of all ages were known for their boating skills.

The innovation was to remain mostly local in use until it was taken up by British military and naval officers in the 19th century. They were greatly enamoured of the rig. One naval officer remarked in 1859, that “…the Bermudian boat has the best rig in the world for sailing to windward…It would make a washing tub sail…”

By the 1930s the rig was in use on America’s Cup boats. Today it dominates the sailing world.

Freight Sloop Diamond c 1910

Bermuda Rig Woodcut 1671

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Bermuda Rigging: The Ultimate Guide for Sailors

by Emma Sullivan | Jul 25, 2023 | Sailboat Maintenance

Short answer: Bermuda rigging

Bermuda rigging is a type of sailing rig that originated from Bermuda during the 17th century. It typically consists of a triangular mainsail, jib, and sometimes additional sails. Known for its efficiency and versatility, the Bermuda rig has become widely used in modern sailboats due to its ability to handle varying wind conditions effectively.

What is Bermuda Rigging?

What is Bermuda Rigging? Unveiling the Secrets Behind Sailboat Perfection

If you have ever been mesmerized by the grace and speed of a sailboat cutting through the water, chances are you were witnessing the beauty of Bermuda rigging. This iconic and efficient sail setup has dominated the sailing world for over a century, and it is more than just an arrangement of sails – it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece that turns wind into power.

So, what exactly is Bermuda rigging? In simple terms, it refers to a triangular arrangement of sails that combines aesthetics with incredible functionality. The name itself carries the essence of its origin: Bermuda – a paradise known for its magnificent sailing conditions. But don’t be fooled by its tropical ties; this rigging system can excel in any body of water across the globe.

The core feature of Bermuda rigging lies in its triangular mainsail, situated at the mast’s front. This unique shape allows it to harness wind power efficiently from all directions as it snaps taut under pressure. This design ensures that sailors can adapt rapidly to shifting winds without having to constantly readjust their course or sails.

Now let’s dive into some nautical jargon! Atop the mainmast sits the topmast or spar, extending beyond and holding additional triangular sails called headsails or jibs. The jib, located at the frontmost part of the boat, compliments and augments the mainsail’s performance by capturing wind from areas not covered by its larger counterpart. The versatility achieved by combining both these sails makes Bermuda rigging incredibly versatile in varying wind conditions.

But wait, there’s more! To fully appreciate Bermuda rigging’s brilliance, we should explore how it diverges from other popular sail setups like gaff rigs or spritsails. Unlike gaff rigs where numerous lines control several separate spars or masts, operating this rig requires only a few sheets (lines attached to sail edges) and halyards (lines that hoist the sails). This streamlined simplicity, combined with its geometric efficiency, offers sailors easier handling and maneuverability.

While sailing, a constant battle ensues between harnessing as much wind as possible while maintaining control of the vessel. Here’s where Bermuda rigging truly excels. Its triangular shape creates an optimal balance between power and stability. As wind pressure increases, these well-constructed sails automatically spill some energy to prevent excessive heeling (tilting) and maintain efficient forward movement. Sailors can trim the sails – adjusting their angles and tensions – to find the sweet spot for maximum speed while maintaining a steady course – a true art that often separates skilled sailors from novices.

Now undoubtedly questioning how artistry and skill link with witty banter? Well, they manifest through cleverly-named elements of Bermuda rigging. For example, when sail trimmers increase tension in the leech (the trailing edge of a sail), they might humorously say they’re “giving it a good haircut” or “stretching out wrinkles.” Such playfulness encapsulates the spirit of sailing camaraderie and fosters creativity amidst teamwork.

Now that we have shed light on what Bermuda rigging truly entails, you can better appreciate its historical significance, timeless elegance, and practical beauty. From America’s Cup racing yachts to humble recreational sailboats around the globe, this ingenious arrangement has earned its place at the pinnacle of sailing excellence. So next time you witness an enchanting vessel maneuvering with grace on serene waters – take a moment to revel in the true genius behind Bermuda rigging!

Understanding the Basics of Bermuda Rigging

Blog Section: Understanding the Basics of Bermuda Rigging

Introduction: Welcome to our blog section where we delve into the exciting world of sailing! In today’s post, we will be exploring the fundamentals of Bermuda rigging. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice just starting out, understanding the basics of this type of rig is crucial for an enjoyable and successful sailing experience. So, grab your sailing cap and let’s dive in!

1. What is Bermuda rigging? The Bermuda rig is a popular sailing rig that features a triangular mainsail with a mast located in front of the sail’s widest point. This design provides excellent power and maneuverability to boats, making it one of the most widely used rigs worldwide. Developed in Bermuda during the 17th century, this rig has stood the test of time and remains a go-to choice for many sailors.

2. The components: To understand how Bermuda rigging works, let’s break it down into its key components:

– Mast: The tall vertical spar that supports all other components of the rig. – Mainsail: The largest and most significant sail on a boat which sits behind the mast. – Boom: A horizontal spar attached to the bottom edge (foot) of the mainsail. – Headsail(s): Additional triangular sails set forward from the forestay on either side.

3. Advantages: Now that we know what makes up a typical Bermuda rig, let’s explore some advantages associated with this style:

a) Versatility and Balance: The triangular shape allows for efficient airflow around the sail, improving maneuverability across different wind conditions.

b) Ease of Control: The boom enables easy control over sail shape by adjusting its angle to maximize speed or reduce force as needed.

c) Reduced Heeling Moment: Due to its configuration placing larger portions of sail area towards lower heights from deck level compared to other rigs, Bermuda rigs typically result in reduced heeling (tilting) force on the boat, enhancing stability.

4. Tips for proper rigging: To ensure a smooth sailing experience, here are some tips for properly rigging a Bermuda rig:

a) Check your Lines: Regularly inspect all lines and cables to prevent wear and tear. A broken line at sea can lead to significant trouble!

b) Proper Tensioning: Ensure you have the right amount of tension in your standing rigging (the wires and cables that support the mast), as this affects both performance and safety.

c) Sail Care: Take good care of your sails by keeping them clean and dry when not in use. Regular inspection for damage or deterioration is also crucial to avoid unexpected mishaps while out on the water.

5. Conclusion: Understanding the basics of Bermuda rigging is essential knowledge for any sailor looking to enhance their skills on the open seas. From its historical origins to its advantages in balance, control, and stability, this type of sailing rig offers versatility and power like no other. By following proper rigging techniques and practicing sail care, you’ll be ready to set sail with confidence! So hoist those sails high, catch that perfect wind, and embark on new sailing adventures with the timeless beauty of Bermuda rigging.

We hope you found this blog post informative and enjoyable. If you have any questions or would like further information on Bermuda rigging or any other sailing topics, don’t hesitate to reach out! Fair winds and happy sailing!

Keywords: Understanding the Basics of Bermuda Rigging

Step-by-Step Guide to Bermuda Rigging: A Complete Tutorial

Title: Step-by-Step Guide to Bermuda Rigging: A Complete Tutorial

Introduction: Welcome to our comprehensive tutorial on the art of Bermuda rigging! If you’ve ever found yourself fascinated by the elegance and efficiency of this sailing rig, you’re in for a treat. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of Bermuda rigging with the aim of turning you into a skilled sailor ready to conquer the high seas. So buckle up (or should we say rig up?), and let’s dive into this captivating realm.

1. Understanding the Bermuda Rig: Before we delve into the intricacies of rigging, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals. The Bermuda rig is a popular choice for sailboats worldwide due to its simplicity and versatility. Consisting of a triangular main sail, jib/headsail, mast, boom, and various control lines, mastering the art of Bermuda rigging opens up endless possibilities for exploration and adventure on your vessel.

2. Gathering Your Tools: Just like any craft or trade, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference when it comes time to rig your boat. From tape measures and stainless steel shackles to halyards and splicing kits, we’ll provide an exhaustive list of all essentials needed in order to execute a successful Bermuda rig setup.

3. Preparing Your Boat: In this section, we’ll cover everything involved in getting your boat ready for rigging – from clearing out cluttered deck spaces to ensuring all fittings are secure and in good condition. We’ll also share some useful tips on how to maintain multiple sails simultaneously for quick deployment during changing weather conditions.

4. Setting Up Your Mast & Boom: Arguably one of the most critical steps in achieving optimal performance from your Bermuda rigged boat lies in properly setting up and aligning the mast and boom. By meticulously following our step-by-step instructions on positioning, securing stays, tensioning shrouds, and correctly adjusting the boom height, you’ll be well on your way to attaining maximum stability and sail efficiency.

5. Hoisting & Rigging the Sails: With your mast and boom in place, now comes the exciting part – hoisting those sails! In this segment of our tutorial, we’ll guide you through each stage of raising and setting up the main sail and jib/headsail flawlessly. Navigating through concepts like luff tensioning, proper halyard attachment, sheet positioning, reefing techniques (for heavier winds), and more will ensure your boat is battle-ready.

6. Mastering Control Lines & Adjustments: A crucial aspect of Bermuda rigging lies in having full control over various lines that govern sail trim, shape adjustment, and overall performance optimization. From cunningham lines to outhauls and vangs, this step-by-step segment will empower you with an understanding of how each control line influences sail dynamics while also granting you a degree of creativity influenced by weather conditions or simply personal sailing style.

Conclusion: Congratulations! By following this comprehensive Bermuda rigging tutorial from start to finish, you have unlocked a world of sailing possibilities. Whether you’re a novice sailor ready to embark on your maiden voyage or an experienced seafarer looking to sharpen your skills further, mastering the art of Bermuda rigging opens doors to endless adventures on the water. So gather your tools, prepare your boat meticulously, set up the mast and boom accurately, hoist those sails diligently, master control lines skillfully – it’s time to embrace the allure of Bermuda rigging like never before!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bermuda Rigging

Title: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bermuda Rigging: Sail Your Way to Success!

Introduction:

Bermuda rigging, the configuration found on most modern sailboats, offers a sleek and efficient way to harness the power of wind while sailing the high seas. However, even experienced sailors can fall into common pitfalls that prevent them from maximizing their rig’s performance. In this blog post, we will delve into some crucial mistakes to avoid when bermuda rigging your sailboat, ensuring smooth sailing experiences every time.

1. Neglecting Proper Tuning: One of the most significant mistakes novice sailors make is disregarding the importance of proper tuning in bermuda rigging. The rig must be correctly tensioned to enable optimal sail shape and efficient airflow. Ignoring this crucial step can lead to excessive heeling (when the boat leans heavily), reduced speed, and compromised maneuverability. By investing time in understanding how to properly tune your bermuda rig using vital tensioning points like shrouds and forestay, you can significantly enhance your boat’s performance.

2. Misaligning Mast and Sails: Aligning the mast correctly with your sails is pivotal for achieving optimum aerodynamics. Failing to align them properly may result in inefficient wind flow across your sails, reducing overall performance and responsiveness while sailing upwind or downwind. Ensure that both the mast and sails are perfectly aligned by utilizing proper tools like a mast leveler or checking measurement references provided by sail manufacturers.

3. Incorrect Boom Height: Setting an incorrect boom height is another blunder commonly encountered during bermuda rigging. An overly high boom can hinder full efficiency of a mainsail by diminishing its ability to create a proper airfoil shape due to increased curvature towards leeward (the opposite side of the wind). On the other hand, placing it too low might restrict crew movement and limit overall boat handling capabilities when maneuvering under changing wind conditions. Optimal boom height should allow sails to achieve their designed shape while taking into account practical considerations based on the boat’s specific characteristics.

4. Inadequate Sail Trimming: Proper sail trimming is a skill that sailors continuously strive to perfect, and bermuda rigging is no exception. Failing to trim sails correctly can lead to reduced speed, difficulty maneuvering, excessive heeling, or even damaging your sails. Avoid over-sheeting (pulling in the sheets too tightly) or under-sheeting (not pulling them in enough), as these mistakes hinder sail performance and put undue strains on your rigging system. Regularly analyze your boat’s sail trim in relation to wind conditions and make necessary adjustments to optimize your sailing experience.

5. Disregarding Weather Conditions: Ignoring weather conditions before bermuda rigging can result in unpleasant surprises during sailing trips. Unfamiliarity with local winds, tides, and prevailing weather patterns may cause unexpected challenges or even potentially dangerous situations for inexperienced sailors. Always meticulously research and plan ahead regarding wind force predictions, tide tables, and local peculiarities of the area where you intend to sail. Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions when setting up your rigging for maximum efficiency given the expected conditions.

Conclusion:

Bermuda rigging presents an excellent opportunity for sailors to experience the thrill of harnessing nature’s elements while gracefully riding the waves. By avoiding common mistakes such as neglecting proper tuning, misalignment of mast and sails, incorrect boom height settings, inadequate sail trimming, and disregarding weather conditions; you can take your bermuda-rigged sailboat towards exciting adventures on calmer seas! Remember – mastering these crucial aspects enhances performance while promoting safety – ensuring successful voyages filled with professional wit and clever navigation skills!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bermuda Rigging: Your Queries Answered

Title: Frequently Asked Questions About Bermuda Rigging: Your Queries Answered

Introduction: When it comes to sailing, the Bermuda rig is one of the most popular and widely used types of sail arrangements. Its triangular mainsail, often coupled with a jib or genoa in front, provides excellent efficiency and maneuverability. However, as with any aspect of sailing, there are always questions that arise. In this blog post, we will address some frequently asked questions about Bermuda rigging to help you gain a deeper understanding. So let’s delve into these queries one by one!

1. What makes the Bermuda rig so popular? The popularity of the Bermuda rig lies in its versatility and efficiency. Unlike other sail configurations, such as gaff or lateen rigs, the Bermuda rig allows for easier adjustment of sail shape and angle in response to changing wind conditions. It offers excellent upwind performance and oftentimes requires fewer crew members due to its manageable sail area.

2. How do I properly set up my Bermuda rig? Setting up a Bermuda rig involves positioning the mast at the right angle and tensioning your shrouds and stays adequately. Start by ensuring that the mast is centered and positioned perpendicular to the boat’s centerline. Then, tension your shrouds evenly on both sides to prevent excessive flexing while maintaining proper stability when under sail.

3. Can I reef a Bermuda rigged boat if necessary? Absolutely! Reefing refers to reducing the effective size of your sails in strong winds or rough seas for better control and safety. With a Bermuda rig, reefing is relatively straightforward – just lower your halyard slightly while keeping it attached to the boom via reefing points or cringles on the mainsail itself. This operation reduces both heeling force and overall sail area without sacrificing too much performance.

4. What should be my primary considerations when choosing a mainsail for my Bermuda rigged boat? Selecting a mainsail requires careful consideration of a few factors. Firstly, determine your typical sailing conditions – if you often sail in lighter winds, you might want to opt for a mainsail with more surface area. Conversely, a smaller sail may be preferable in areas prone to frequent high winds. Additionally, the quality of fabric and construction should be considered for long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.

5. How do I optimize my Bermuda rig’s performance? To maximize your Bermuda rig’s performance, maintaining proper tension on the standing rigging is crucial. Regularly inspecting and adjusting your shrouds and stays will help ensure optimal mast bend and sail shape, resulting in improved speed and efficiency. Experimenting with different settings during sailing sessions can also provide valuable insights into the sweet spots that lead to increased boat performance.

6. Can I convert a non-Bermuda rigged boat to a Bermuda rig? In theory, it is possible to convert some boats from other types of rigs to a Bermuda rig; however, this process typically involves substantial modifications that may not be practical or cost-effective. It is advised to consult with experienced professionals who can assess the feasibility of such conversions based on your specific vessel’s characteristics.

Conclusion: Understanding the nuances of Bermuda rigging is essential for any sailor looking to harness its full potential on the water. By addressing these frequently asked questions about Bermuda rigging, we hope we have provided useful insights and guidance for both newcomers and experienced sailors alike. So hoist those sails confidently while enjoying the efficiency and maneuverability that this fantastic sail arrangement has to offer!

Mastering the Art of Bermuda Rigging: Tips and Tricks for Success

Ah, the thrill of sailing! It’s an unmatched feeling, harnessing the power of the wind and gliding through the open waters. As any seasoned sailor will tell you, one aspect that can make or break your sailing experience is mastering the art of bermuda rigging. But fear not! With a few handy tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll soon be hoisting those sails with style and finesse.

So, what exactly is bermuda rigging? Well, it refers to a specific type of rigging commonly found on sailboats. Named after its place of origin – Bermuda – this rig consists of a triangular main sail, supported by two jib sails at the front. Its design optimizes performance and efficiency in varying wind conditions, making it a popular choice among sailors worldwide.

Now let’s delve into some essential tips to help you become a masterful bermuda rigger:

1. Perfect Your Knowledge: Before even setting foot on a boat, begin by immersing yourself in all things bermuda rigging. Read books and online resources dedicated to the subject – learn about everything from sail cuts to mast placement. The more knowledge you acquire, the better equipped you’ll be when faced with challenges on the water.

2. Choose Quality Materials: Investing in high-quality ropes and sails might have your wallet groaning initially but trust us; it pays off in dividends downwind! Inferior materials can lead to fraying or even snapping under heavy wind pressures. Opt for durable options sourced from reputable manufacturers to ensure longevity and peace of mind during your sailing adventures.

3. Attention to Detail: When it comes to bermuda rigging, precision is key! Pay close attention while securing each part of the rig – from tightening halyards to adjusting clew lines – every component plays an integral role in optimizing sailing performance. Take the time to properly understand the mechanics behind each adjustment, and you’ll see remarkable improvements in how your sailboat handles.

4. Balance & Trim: Achieving proper sail balance and trim is crucial for optimal performance. Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot that maximizes speed and stability. Remember, it’s not just about catching more wind – it’s about distributing the forces evenly across your boat, allowing you to maneuver gracefully through waves.

5. Constant Tuning: The ocean is as unpredictable as can be, which means your rigging can’t remain static either. Regularly check your rigging for any signs of wear or damage. Adjustments will often be necessary depending on wind conditions, so keep a keen eye on weather patterns and make the necessary tweaks to adapt accordingly.

6. Practice Makes Perfect: The old adage rings true here too! Nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to mastering bermuda rigging. Get out on the water as often as possible, test various techniques, and learn from each excursion. The confidence and intuition gained through practice will help you navigate even the most challenging situations.

And finally, let’s not forget a touch of wit and cleverness! Sailing is renowned for its community of passionate sailors who revel in friendly banter and humorous tales on shore or at sea. Embrace this camaraderie – share stories, swap tips with fellow sailors, and inject some witty repartee into your sailing adventures!

So there you have it – your guide to mastering the art of bermuda rigging! Now that you’re armed with these tips and tricks for success, go forth with confidence into the world of sailing and enjoy every moment harnessing the power of wind like a true master mariner. Bon voyage!

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Rigged for Success

April 13, 2023

Written by: Peter Backeberg

Photo credit: ‘A Bermuda schooner yacht offshore’, oil on canvas by John Lynn, 1834. National Museum Bermuda.

The Bermuda Rig, that innovative sail design that is still, some 400 years after it emerged on local waters, being used on the vast majority of recreational and racing sailboats around the world. But why did it develop here? What were the conditions so special to Bermuda that precipitated such an outstanding and lasting technical advancement? The answer, at least in part, can be found in a local phrase used frequently and frequently used incorrectly.

In Bermuda, if you are standing in Somerset you are “up the country”, conversely when trying to get your bearings in St. George’s just know you are “down the country”.

Is that because Somerset is higher than St. George’s? Well yes, but only in sailing lexicon. The phrases would have made much more sense to a 17th Century courier with a package, or perhaps some contraband, that they needed to get to the other end of the Island.

For a very long time, centuries even, Bermuda was bereft of decent roads to traverse the land. Most people travelled on small boats, with sailing the preferred mode of powering the boats (who wants to row to Somerset?).

Sailing around Bermuda back then could be, and still is, a lovely experience, except for the fact that our archipelago lines up lengthways with the prevailing South Westerly breeze. Without getting too technical, one need only understand that sailing straight into the wind is beyond the laws of physics. Instead, wind-driven mariners have to sail off in one direction for a while, at an angle to wind, and then turn back the other way, gradually working back and forth and “up wind” to their destination. The more acute the angle to the wind the shorter the trip. Coming the other way the wind is behind that boat and pushes it pretty much straight “down wind” (to St. George’s).

So most of the time Somerset was a very long trip “up the country” from St. George’s and Bermudians, therefore, had a lot to gain from sailing as efficiently as possible towards the direction of the wind.

Which brings us to an interloping Dutchman who arrived in Bermuda in the early 1600s – perhaps by shipwreck, which was one of very few ways to become a Bermudian back in those days. History is not settled on this but it is generally accepted that the triangular lateen sails used by Moorish sailors were familiar to Europeans, and upon arrival in Bermuda the Dutch gentleman played an important role in adapting this type of sail to local boats.

The story then goes that widespread adoption combined with constant use and modification led to the evolution of the Bermuda Rig.

As early as 1670, in a record from a visiting ship named Marigold , the sails were noted and admired, “With tripple corner’d Sayls they always float about the Islands, in the World there are None in all points that may with them compare…”.

Unusual spelling and capitalisation aside, this statement would remain true for centuries as more and more efficient versions of the Rig developed.

What started out as multiple triangle-shaped sails attached to multiple masts eventually became two triangle sails attached to one mast, with the forward sail known as a jib and the aft one as a mainsail. To this setup were added a pole extending backwards from the bottom of the mast (the boom) and a pole extending off the front of the boat (the bowsprit). These two innovations allowed Bermuda rigged boats to carry an extraordinary amount of sail, best demonstrated by the iconic Bermuda Fitted Dinghy that still graces our waters today.

According to an article published by the National Museum of Bermuda, the Bermuda Rig was largely confined to Bermuda until the 1800s when the British Navy took notice.

In 1859 one naval officer remarked, “the Bermudian boat has the best rig in the world for sailing to windward…It would make a washing tub sail.”

It’s funny to think that our most useful contribution to the nautical world is a triangle that made travelling the oceans in and around Bermuda better. The sail design also made life for Bermudians better and not just because they could get up the country quicker.

Bermudians were also famous for building superior ocean going ships that came to be known as Bermuda Sloops. These ships, made of light and durable Bermuda Cedar, had a hull design that further improved upwind sailing performance and literally made them the fastest ships on the ocean. Through varying and evolving versions of the Bermuda Rig and Sloop, Bermudian sailors, whether inshore or offshore, were at a distinct advantage for a very long time.

Being entrepreneurial types, Bermudians began running trade up and down the East Coast of America and throughout the Caribbean, thus playing a key role in driving the nascent economy of what would become the United States. They also, periodically, put their sails and ships to the less reputable practices of privateering and blockade running because when pursued, even by bigger ships, they could just turn towards the wind and sail away.

This all led to a level of prosperity that defied the country’s isolation and lack of a sustainable cash crop. The commercial success of Bermuda very much originated with and depended on the wind flowing across her sails.

And how does it all work? Well, as we saw in the 35th America’s Cup, a sail works pretty much the same way as a wing, except the sail is standing upright and powering the boat towards the wind, as a opposed to a wing which is horizontal and sending a metal tube up in the air. If you want a technical understanding look up Daniel Bernoulli who first explained the principle in 1738. Maybe he’d just come back from a vacation in Bermuda.

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The definitive guide to sailing yacht rigging

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Do you know your Bermudan rig from your DynaRig or wingsails? And which is best? BOAT explains it all...

Take a look at a modern racing yacht from above, beating to windward and heeled to the breeze, and you can see at a glance why Bermudan rigs have stood the test of time. With its fore and aft sails bladed into efficient aerodynamic shapes, a modern yacht can slice close to the wind and be driven hard. Such a sight would have been outlandish a century ago. Then, a typical trading barquentine could set 18 sails to catch light airs, but it needed a large crew to battle with canvas far out on the yards. In a modern miracle as incredible in its way as flight, today’s racing yachts can sail faster than the speed of the wind – in some cases several times faster.

A mainsail set on a single spar is an age-old concept but only in the 19th century was it adapted as the Bermudan or Marconi rig. A one-piece mainsail set on a mast without a gaff, hoisted with one halyard and controlled by one sheet, was simpler and more efficient. This revolution became the power train of pleasure yachting and racing.

But perhaps the time is coming for a re-evaluation of simpler rigs requiring fewer crew – alternatives with lower loads operated by automated systems. In an era of reduced carbon consumption, could more radical sailplans even herald a revival in sail power?

The evergreen Bermudan rig

The Bermudan rig is the all-rounder, able to perform well at all angles of sail. It is efficient upwind, while downwind the sail area can be significantly boosted with a big gennaker or spinnaker. For good reasons, it is the first choice for nearly every modern sailing yacht up to around 60 to 65 metres for cruising and regatta racing alike. At larger sizes, however, things start to become trickier, and the trade-offs get interesting.

Over the last decade, sail handling technology has steadily advanced to allow sloop rigs to grow larger and larger. “But with that comes a highly loaded rig, many tonnes of compression from tension in the rigging, and you have to build structure in the boat to accept that,” explains Paul MacDonald, founder and superyacht sales manager of Southern Spars.

“You have to have a lot of deck gear and captive winches below decks and the machinery for that. But over the years, boom furling systems and MPS [Multi Purpose Sails for downwind angles] stored on a drum, for example, have made sail handling safer.

Bill Tripp is the designer behind the 86-metre Aquijo , which broke new ground in 2015 as the world’s largest Bermudan ketch. Tripp prefers to call the rig a "sketch", a portmanteau word for a rig that is neither a sloop nor a ketch “because the main and mizzen are identical”. Even though the sailplan is divided over two masts, each spar is still a towering 90 metres above the water. Aquijo perfectly illustrates the issues involved with a Bermudan rig when scaled up.

“The sloop is great but I prefer the ‘sketch’ for sailing around the world under full control due to the desirability of a two-masted rig for reaching ability, which dominates passages, and the safety of controllable loads when sailing in all kinds of conditions miles from nowhere,” he says.

Upwind, Aquijo sets a jib, staysail, mainsail and mizzen, all in North Sails 3Di, totalling 3,821 square metres. A furling Code sail for reaching and downwind angles increases that to a vast 5,051 square metres.

While Aquijo has a crew retinue of 17, it can be controlled under sail by six or seven people. With custom winches to handle halyards and sheets, the sails can be hoisted astonishingly quickly for such a large rig. “It takes five minutes to put the main up, on average, and the main and mizzen can go up at the same time,” Tripp says. Aquijo has now sailed 100,000 nautical miles around the world and the owner is planning another circumnavigation through the Northwest Passage.

Tripp is not convinced of the wisdom of a much larger single-masted sloop rig. “If you are day sailing in the Med, a sloop would be awesome, but I am not sure if you had fewer sails you would be able to [reduce canvas] well enough. Also the mast is a windage problem when the keel is up and you are beam-to. If you are on anchor, that’s no problem but you’d have to be able to cope with being on the docks in 70 knots. The windage at 120 metres is not only more but the centre of effort is so much higher, and so the heeling loads all go up.”

However, British designer Malcolm McKeon , the name behind the high-performance, sloop-rigged carbon composite superyachts Missy and Ribelle , is pushing the sloop rig to new heights. His 85-metre design concept Apex, developed with Royal Huisman , would be the largest sloop-rigged yacht in the world. “The loads are enormous,” he admits, “but it is all scalable.”

“The big disadvantage is sail handling. The downwind sails are pretty complicated once you start hoisting and retrieving, even with drum and reel systems. It is not straightforward.” But, he adds, “I think we know the advantages of a sloop: if you want all-round performance you can’t beat it, even at the top end.”

Advantages of a clipper rig

The DynaRig has been around as a concept since the 1960s when German engineer Wilhelm Prölss devised these free-standing, rotating rigs as a fuel-saving solution for large commercial vessels. The idea was ahead of its time, so much so that its first realisation came nearly 40 years later when American owner Tom Perkins bought the residual technology and commissioned Dykstra Naval Architects to create a three-masted DynaRig for Maltese Falcon , his 88-metre Perini Navi.

The DynaRig is not as efficient upwind as the Bermudan rig, and is probably not the best solution for a yacht smaller than around 65 metres, suggests Jeroen de Vos of Dykstra. “We wouldn’t advise putting a DynaRig on a small yacht because there are other ways to manage sail handling. But on a larger yacht the DynaRig becomes an alternative because there is no rigging, no highly loaded sheets, low-tech [small] sails and no big winches.”

The beauty of the DynaRig is that its automatic systems can be handled by one or two people and, notes de Vos, “you don’t have to get out of your chair to go sailing. Maltese Falcon can sail on and off the anchor and can set 2,400 square metres of sail in six minutes. On other boats it takes six minutes to get the sail cover off.”

Damon Roberts of Magma Structures, which built the rigs for Maltese Falcon and the only other DynaRig yacht to date, the 106-metre Black Pearl , says: “You can do any manoeuvre easily; it’s like sailing a dinghy. There are no highly loaded sheets or ropes or flogging lines. You can luff up, bear away, tack and gybe at  any time and really enjoy sailing the boat without any apparent fuss.”

So with all these advantages, why has the DynaRig been chosen for only two sailing superyachts? For some designers, such as Malcolm McKeon, it is partly to do with compromises imposed by the large mast tubes and bearing diameters on the internal structure and layout, “particularly in the cockpit area,” he says. He also points out that the clipper ship look is not to every owner’s taste. “Sloops are more conventional looking,” he says.

Damon Roberts says there is still development work to be done. He has teamed up with Southern Spars and, with their additional resources, expects evolution with several new projects. “These include two at the moment that are twin-masted DynaRigs,” he says. “We did quite a lot of wind tunnel work early on as we felt that was really the sweet spot for it, and people will be stunned at how efficient these are.”

The future of the wingsail

Wingsails have been around for decades too, but with their adoption by the last two America’s Cups and the confluence with foiling technology, they have undergone rapid and revolutionary development.

To date, there is no proven solution for reefing a wing that would be suitable for offshore cruising or ocean passages. As the pronounced aerodynamic “nose” at the leading edge of a wing can develop force in strong winds, they could potentially make a large yacht uncontrollable in port as well.

“How do you get rid of sail and how does [a boat] handle when caught out in heavy wind conditions – which you will be? How do you keep the angle of attack all the way up the rig and how do you handle squalls?” Roberts asks. “A mechanism to reduce sail might be easy to sketch out but it is difficult to engineer.”

Jeroen de Vos says: “The wingsails are more developed towards performance and I wouldn’t say that they are as practical as soft sails or would ever make handling easier. But if somebody wants that, why not? Reefable soft sails, wings that are inflated, hoisted panels, possibly these are applicable. The development of this area is happening very rapidly.”

Paul MacDonald of Southern Spars agrees that the time is not here yet but thinks it will come. “In reality we are in the early days of wings. For the America’s Cup, they are the most efficient way of sailing by a long shot, but with them comes handling issues, which the industry hasn’t resolved yet. But I am sure they will be in 10 years’ time. Designers such as VPLP are starting to [work on concepts] and we are going to see something that is usable and efficient and suitable for ocean work eventually,” he says. “And whatever the solution is, you imagine that it will scale.”

Looking to the future

A drive for greener superyachts could present an opportunity for sail, but perhaps it needs to be less daunting.

“There is this intimidation of sheets and backstays, and sailing is a language you don’t learn in a year,” Tripp says. “But we have a project we are doing now with a yard with some new rig technology and some soft wings that we think is going to be viable.

“We can uncomplicate sailing more. If we can win people over from motorboats it will help, but we are only winning these battles one or two at a time. We need [more] projects like Sailing Yacht A , which are something really different, and do more things better with less energy. We as architects need to elicit change.”

McKeon also sees change coming. “People are more and more concerned about keeping their image green and sails are the way to do that,” he says. “Simpler sailing systems are needed. The current generation is used to Bermudan sloops. In years to come, the traditionalists will all be gone, and maybe new people will be more accepting of [different ideas]. I think in the future we will certainly have wings.”

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How to set up and reef a bermudan rig..

Our most efficient sailing rig  is a simple Bermudan. It is easy to set up, efficient and quick to reef.

The head (top corner) of the sail is tied to the eye at the top of the mast.

The thin cord is fastened off at the top eye, and then threaded in a spiral down and around the mast, going through each eye in turn.

 When you reach the bottom of the sail the thin cord is tied off on the final eye. A separate cord is tied through the bottom eye (tack) and round the mast to make a loop that holds the sail to the mast. A second line also ties into the tack and goes through the hole in the mast ring and goes through the cleat. This line is the downhaul and is used to hold the front edge of the sail (luff) taut.

The sail is usually stored by rolling around the mast, which keeps it crease free and in good condition. The mast is free standing and fits into the mast tube through the mast thwart. The sail is unfurled and the eyelet in the free corner (the clew) is attached to the hook on the boom (the outhaul).

The boom jaws are pushed onto the mast above the mast ring and the outhaul line is pulled and cleated off. This stretches the sail out along the boom. It is best to have a bit of slack in the foot of the sail to allow it to blow into a curve. The amount or depth of curve is called the draft. Generally the draft should be about 10% of the chord (width). In good conditions it is best to set it with about 8 inches of curve away from the boom to get the most power from the sail. In stronger winds the outhaul can be tightened to flatten the sail. This de-powers it and makes it more managable.

The kicking strap is hooked into the eye at the bottom of the mast, the line tightened and cleated off. This prevents the mast from turning and unfurling the sail.

The kicker also holds the boom down and prevents the top of the sail twisting off  and spilling some of the wind. It does this by tensioning the trailing edge of the sail (leech). In strong winds the kicker should be tightened to keep the leech tight to reduce sail twist.

Tightening the kicker also bends the mast back somewhat, takes a bit of the shape out of the sail and de-powers it.

The sheet is threaded through the pulley blocks on the boom and a stopper knot tied in the end of the sheet. This knot is important as it keeps the rig attached to the canoe if it is removed  in a capsize and prevents it from sinking and being lost.

The pulley block nearest the mast is on a rope strop. This can be slid along the boom so that the sheet comes to hand.

The other end of the sheet has a rope bridle. Each end threads through a hole in the rear thwart or deck edge. These are then tied off with a stopper knot. The length of each leg of the bridle should be adjusted so that the boom just touches it in the centre of the canoe when the sheet is pulled in tight. This reduces the force needed on the sheet to hold the sail close hauled.

There is a downhaul line at the bottom corner of the sail (tack) attached to the mast. This is used to control the tension on the leading edge of the sail (the luff). in light winds this is normally quite slack. As the winds get stronger and more kicker tension is applied the sail stretches and creases form along the luff behind the mast. These should be just removed by tensioning the downhaul line to stretch the luff. Do not over do the luff tension or you get a crease running up the sail behind the mast which upsets the shape of the sail and the flow of the wind over it.

Firstly uncleat and slacken the outhaul.

Slacken and unhook the kicker.

Turn the mast so as to roll up the sail.

The more turns you do the smaller the sail becomes.

Reconnect and tighten the kicker.

Tighten and cleat the outhaul.

Generally 2 or 3 turns of the mast will give a sufficient first reef, but further reefs can be taken by repeating these steps. Because it is quick and easy to put in a reef a novice sailor will be able to reduce sail early as the wind increases to keep everything safe and under control. Experienced sailors will be able to keep on sailing even in challenging conditions by putting in heavy reefs. We have manged to sail upwind in Force 7 conditions on Lake Bala with a 54 sq ft sail reefed down to about 12 sq ft, when everyone else had to leave the water. This is extreme but it can be done

If you leave your rigged sailing canoe on a jetty or beach then it is best to reef to it's smallest size before leaving it. If it is windy it is better to leave it with the rig completely furled, lifted out and stowed on the deck.

The rig is best stored with the sail left on the mast, rolled tight, and put in the sail bag. This keeps the sailcloth crease free and in good condition

Solway Dory Cumbria UK

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Better Sailing

What are the Best Sailboat Rigs?

Some of the most basic rig choices are the sloop, cutter, cat, ketch, and schooner, among others. But how can we choose among them? The type of rig is often a choice that is based on your sailboat size, preferred layout, and the maximum size of sail that can be handled. Moreover, there are two main rig configurations: fore-and-aft rig and square-rigged. Rigging is divided into two different categories, the standing that supports the mast, and the running which manages the orientation of the sails and their degree of furling. Rigging forms an essential part of your sailboat and is therefore important to know what are the best sailboat rigs so as to find out which one suits your sailboat. Let’s see up next!

>>Also Read: What is Sailboat Rigging?

The Bermuda Rig

These tall triangular sails are called the Bermuda rig, or Marconi rig, and consist of one large, triangular-shaped sail that most of the time goes all the way to the top of the mast. In other words, the Bermuda rig has a single headsail or a sail forward of the mast. The main advantage of this type of rig is that it can sail upwind. Also, it has more power when the boat is sailing into the wind. Moreover, the single mainsail is easy to manage and the single headsail is easy to hoist and trim. The old square-rigged boats could sail with the wind behind them, thus the creation of the trade routes using the term “trade winds”. The Bermuda rig is a common variation of the Fractional sloop.

The Ketch Rig

The Ketch rig is ideal for a small cruising sailboat and is quite similar to the Cutter rig. However, the cutter rig breaks up the headsail area but the ketch rig breaks up the mainsail area into two smaller ones. In other words, on a ketch rig, you have two masts instead of one. The aft-most mast is called the mizzen mast and the sail is called the mizzen sail. Generally, a ketch rig can have either a headsail (sloop) or two headsails (cutter). Unlike the Bermuda rig, the Ketch rig performs better downwind and also performs great windward. The downside with the Ketch is that it can create confusion due to its different sail variations and extra sails. Lastly, due to its complex sail handling, downwind performance, and more sail combinations there are many experienced sailors that choose the ketch rig for long ocean cruising.

The Cutter Rig

The Cutter rig is similar to the Bermuda rig but it has a notable difference; instead of having one large headsail, the Cutter separates its forward sail area into two smaller headsails. This rig type is very common for sailboats that plan sailing on long-passages. This is because the smaller headsails are easier to manage by a single person. Also, the 3-sails configuration allows for different sail combinations something that helps in harsh weather conditions. Often, cutter rigs have a bowsprit that emerges from the bow of the sailboat and supports the two headsail area. The Cutter rig is also great for sailing into the wind, provides balance, and is ideal for open-ocean conditions.

The Gaff Rig

The Gaff rig is an old rigging configuration and has more to do with the sail’s shape than the number of sails. A gaff-rigged sailboat hoists a 4-cornered sail instead of a triangular 3-cornered one. This type of rig is not really common anymore but there are still many ketch style sailboats that originally had gaff sails. The gaff is not really efficient for sailing upwind but it offers great speed performance, ease of control, and sail direction than the square-riggers of that time.

The Sloop Rig

A sloop rig has a single-mast and a fore-and-aft sail configuration. This type of rigging is quite popular due to its great ability to sail upwind and it’s also appropriate for short-handing. However, the sloop rig is not advisable for boats more than 40ft as the sails will be difficult to manage. Furthermore, a great advantage of the sloop rig is that it has a simpler plan that allows for fewer wires and fewer costs in terms of maintenance and repair. The basic sail plan needs two sails but there are many sailors that buy genoas, spinnakers, gennakers, wind-seekers, and anything to maximize performance.

The Junk Rig

This rig type dates back to the 10 th  century when the Chinese were sailing the oceans with a rig that withstood for a long time. They managed to create a different sail plan and it was clear that they were way ahead of their time. Nowadays, there are some sailors who think that this very old sail plan is superior to the more popular Bermuda rig and others. The main characteristics of junk rigging are that it lacks stays and shrouds and that is based on fully battened sails. Because of this full batten set-up, the sails are fast downwind, easy to reef, and self-tacking. However, without having a standing rigging they’re more prone to damage, and most importantly they’re not good for upwind sailing.

The Yawl Rig

A yawl is very similar to a ketch. The yawl comes with two masts, the mizzenmast which is smaller and sets farther aft behind the rudder post, and the mainmast. There are many sailors that find the yawl rig unpractical and not quite efficient. Furthermore, some believe that the small sail configuration hanging over the stern is an advantage to steadying life at a mooring. On the other hand, others think that the mizzen on a yawl doesn’t provide any horsepower or ease-of-handling benefits. In any case, most sailors admit that yawls are good-looking and have a steady stature but are not really preferred for their sailing performance.

The Cat Rig

A cat rig consists of a single mast situated forward and near the bow. Also, it carries a large single sail and has no standing rigging. A great advantage of cat rigs is that they’re very simple to sail and manage. This is because they have one large sail and no rigging, therefore they can be single-handed quite easily. Moreover, on large vessels, the cat rig design offers a considerable amount of salon space. As the mast is placed far forward, this leaves plenty of room for the cabins. But there’s a crucial downside: upwind performance. Unlike the sloop rig, the cat rig might be easy to sail but it doesn’t perform well when sailing upwind. In any case, one can admit that cat rigs are maneuverable, simple, and economical. Lastly, they’re perfect for short-handed sailing and downwind passages.

The Schooner

Generally, a typical schooner has two masts that are positioned forward in the sailboat. Unlike the ketch or yawl rigging, the forward mast is smaller than the aft mast. Also, there are one or more jibs placed forward of the foremast. Some schooners tend to use triangular Bermuda sails on either one or both masts. However, there are others that have gaff-rigged sails. There are some that still prefer the gaff rigging for long ocean cruising as it provides the ability to set more sail area on a given length of the mast.

However, the gaff rig is not as efficient as the Bermuda rig as it has more complicated rigging and requires more persons for sail handling. The gaff is a short spar situated at the top of the sail and allows the sail to extend back along a fourth side. Like this, it gains size over a triangular sail of the same height.

>>Also Read: The Different Types Of Sailboats

The Bottom Line

So, what are the best sailboat rigs? The answer depends on different factors and the choices you make are mostly a matter of one’s sailing preferences. There’s no wrong or right rigging and once you know what you want from your sailing experience and function of your sailboat then choosing the right rig for your sailboat will be much easier. Some say that the ketch rig is unbeatable for off-shore sailing while others say that the Bermuda sloop is the most efficient for sailing into the wind. On the other hand, cutters are great for racing and cruising but they’re not quite efficient to windward as a sloop-rigged.

As for schooners, they’re generally easy to balance, are powerful, and offer a great sail plan. But, they have two halyards per sail, no running backstays, and not quite good upwind performance. In any case, I hope you enjoyed reading this article about sailboat rigging and that it’ll help you choose the best rig that suits your needs!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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17 Sailboat Types Explained: How To Recognize Them

Ever wondered what type of sailboat you're looking at? Identifying sailboats isn't hard, you just have to know what to look for. In this article, I'll help you.

Every time I'm around a large number of sailboats, I look around in awe (especially with the bigger ones). I recognize some, but with most of them, I'll have to ask the owner. When they answer, I try to hide my ignorance. The words don't make any sense!

So here's a complete list with pictures of the most common sailboat types today. For each of them, I'll explain exactly where the name comes from, and how you can recognize it easily.

So here's my list of popular sailboat types, explained:

Bermuda sloop, sailing hydrofoil, dutch barge, chinese junk, square-rigged tall ship, in conclusion, how to recognize any sailboat.

Before we get started, I wanted to quickly explain what you should look for when you try to identify a sailboat.

The type of sailboat is always determined by one of these four things:

• The type of hull
• The type of keel
• The number of masts
• And the type of sails and rig

The hull is the boat's body. There are basically three hull types: monohull, catamaran, and trimaran. Simply said: do I see one hull, two hulls (catamaran) or three hulls (trimaran)? Most sailboats are monohulls.

Next, there is the keel type. The keel is the underwater part of the hull. Mostly, you won't be able to see that, because it's underwater. So we'll leave that for now.

The sail plan

The last factor is the number of masts and the sail plan. The sail plan, simply put, is the number of sails, the type of sails, and how the sails are mounted to the masts (also called rigging ).

Sailboat are mostly named after the sail plan, but occasionally, a sail type is thrown in there as well.

So now we know what to pay attention to, let's go and check out some sailboats!

Dinghies are the smallest and most simple sailboats around.

They are your typical training sailboats. Small boats with an open hull, with just one mast and one sail. Perfect for learning the ways of the wind.

On average, they are between 6 and 20 ft long. Mostly sailed single-handed (solo). There's no special rigging, just the mainsail. The mainsail is commonly a Bermuda (triangular) mainsail. Dinghies have a simple rudder stick and no special equipment or rigging.

Dinghies are great for learning how to sail. The smaller the boat, the better you feel the impact of your trim and actions.

How to recognize a sailing dinghy:

• short (8ft)
• one Bermuda sail
• open hull design
• rudder stick

Common places to spot them: lakes, near docks

If you'd ask a kid to draw a sailboat, she'll most probably draw this one. The Bermuda Sloop is the most popular and most common sailboat type today. You'll definitely recognize this one.

How to recognize a Bermuda Sloop:

• triangular mainsail (called a Bermuda sail)
• a foresail (also called the jib)
• fore-and-aft rigged
• medium-sized (12 - 50 ft)

Fore-and-aft rigged just means "from front to back". This type of rigging helps to sail upwind.

Any sailboat with one mast and two sails could still be a sloop. Even if the sails are another shape or rigged in another way. For example, here's a gaff-rigged sloop (more on the gaff rig later):

If you want to learn all about sail rigs, check out my full Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types here. It has good infographics and explains it in more detail

The Bermuda sloop has a lot of advantages over other sailboat types (which is why it's so popular):

• the Bermuda rig is very maneuverable and pretty fast in almost all conditions
• it's really versatile
• you can sail it by yourself without any problems
• it's a simple setup

Common places to spot a sloop: everywhere. Smaller sloops are more common for inland waters, rivers, and lakes. Medium-sized and large sloops are very popular cruising boats.

Cutters have one mast but three or more sails. Most cutters are Bermuda rigged, which means they look a lot like sloops.

How to recognize a cutter:

• looks like a sloop
• two or more headsails instead of one
• commonly one mast
• sometimes an extra mast with mainsail

Cutters have more sail area, which makes them faster, but also harder to sail single-handed. There's also more strain on the mast and rigging.

Common places to spot a cutter: everywhere. Cutters are very popular for cruising.

They mostly have a Bermuda rig, which means triangular sails. But there are also gaff cutters and naval cutters, and some have two masts.

Here's an example of a two-masted naval cutter with an extra gaff mainsail and top gaff:

The Hydrofoil is a pretty new sailboat design. It's a racing sailboat with thin wing foils under the hull. These lift up the hull, out of the water, reducing the displacement to nearly zero. The foils create downforce and keep it from lifting off entirely.

This makes the hydrofoil extremely fast and also impressive.

The hydrofoil refers to the keel type. There are both monohull and multihull hydrofoils.

How to recognize a hydrofoil:

• it flies above the waterline and has small fins

Common places to spot a hydrofoil: at racing events

Famous catamaran: La Vagabonde from Sailing La Vagabonde

A catamaran is a type of cruising and racing multihull sailboat with two hulls. The hulls are always the same size.

Most catamarans have a standard Bermuda rig. The catamaran refers to the hull, so it can have any number of masts, sails, sail types and rig type.

How to recognize a catamaran:

• any boat with two hulls is called a catamaran

Common places to spot catamarans: coastal waters, The Caribbean, shallow reefs

The advantages of a catamaran: Catamarans heel less than monohulls and are more buoyant. Because of the double hull, they don't need as deep a keel to be stable. They have a smaller displacement, making them faster. They also have a very shallow draft. That's why catamarans are so popular in the Caribbean, where there's lots of shallow water.

Catamarans are nearly impossible to capsize:

"Compared with a monohull, a cruising catamaran sailboat has a high initial resistance to heeling and capsize—a fifty-footer requires four times the force to initiate a capsize than an equivalent monohull." Source: Wikipedia

How to recognize a trimaran:

• any boat with three hulls is called a trimaran

Trimarans have three hulls, so it's a multi-hull design. It's mostly a regular monohull with two smaller hulls or floaters on the sides. Some trimarans can be trailered by winching in the auxiliary hulls, like this:

This makes them very suitable for long-term cruising, but also for regular docking. This is great for crowded areas and small berths, like in the Mediterranean. It sure is more cost-effective than the catamaran (but you also don't have the extra storage and living space!).

Common places to spot Trimarans: mostly popular for long-term cruising, you'll find the trimaran in coastal areas.

Gaffer refers to gaff-rigged, which is the way the sails are rigged. A gaff rig is a rectangular sail with a top pole, or 'spar', which attaches it to the mast. This pole is called the 'gaff'. To hoist the mainsail, you hoist this top spar with a separate halyard. Most gaffers carry additional gaff topsails as well.

Gaff rigs are a bit less versatile than sloops. Because of the gaff, they can have a larger sail area. So they will perform better with downwind points of sail. Upwind, however, they handle less well.

How to recognize a gaffer:

• sail is rectangular
• mainsail has a top pole (or spar)

Since a gaffer refers to the rig type, and not the mast configuration or keel type, all sailboats with this kind of rigging can be called 'gaffers'.

Common places to spot a gaffer: Gaffers are popular inland sailboats. It's a more traditional rig, being used recreationally.

Schooners used to be extremely popular before sloops took over. Schooners are easy to sail but slower than sloops. They handle better than sloops in all comfortable (cruising) points of sail, except for upwind.

How to recognize a schooner:

• mostly two masts
• smaller mast in front
• taller mast in the back
• fore-and-aft rigged sails
• gaff-rigged mainsails (spar on top of the sail)

Common places to spot a schooner: coastal marinas, bays

How to recognize a ketch:

• medium-sized (30 ft and up)
• smaller mast in back
• taller mast in front
• both masts have a mainsail

The ketch refers to the sail plan (mast configuration and type of rig). Ketches actually handle really well. The back mast (mizzenmast) powers the hull, giving the skipper more control. Because of the extra mainsail, the ketch has shorter masts. This means less stress on masts and rigging, and less heel.

Common places to spot a ketch: larger marinas, coastal regions

How to recognize a yawl:

• main mast in front
• much smaller mast in the back
• back mast doesn't carry a mainsail

The aft mast is called a mizzenmast. Most ketches are gaff-rigged, so they have a spar at the top of the sail. They sometimes carry gaff topsails. They are harder to sail than sloops.

The yawl refers to the sail plan (mast configuration and type of rig).

Common places to spot a yawl: they are not as popular as sloops, and most yawls are vintage sailboat models. You'll find most being used as daysailers on lakes and in bays.

Dutch Barges are very traditional cargo ships for inland waters. My hometown is literally littered with a very well-known type of barge, the Skutsje. This is a Frisian design with leeboards.

Skutsjes don't have a keel but use leeboards for stability instead, which are the 'swords' or boards on the side of the hull.

How to recognize a Dutch Barge:

• most barges have one or two masts
• large, wooden masts
• leeboards (wooden wings on the side of the hull)
• mostly gaff-rigged sails (pole on top of the sail, attached to mast)
• a ducktail transom

The clipper is one of the latest sailboat designs before steam-powered vessels took over. The cutter has a large cargo area for transporting cargo. But they also needed to be fast to compete with steam vessels. It's a large, yet surprisingly fast sailboat model, and is known for its good handling.

This made them good for trade, especially transporting valuable goods like tea or spices.

How to recognize a Clipper:

• mostly three masts
• square-rigged sails
• narrow but long, steel hull

Common places to spot a clipper: inland waters, used as houseboats, but coastal waters as well. There are a lot of clippers on the Frisian Lakes and Waddenzee in The Netherlands (where I live).

This particular junk is Satu, from the Chesapeake Bay Area.

The Chinese Junk is an ancient type of sailboat. Junks were used to sail to Indonesia and India from the start of the Middle Ages onward (500 AD). The word junk supposedly comes from the Chinese word 'jung', meaning 'floating house'.

How to recognize a Chinese junk:

• medium-sized (30 - 50 ft)
• large, flat sails with full-length battens
• stern (back of the hull) opens up in a high deck
• mostly two masts (sometimes one)
• with two mainsails, sails are traditionally maroon
• lug-rigged sails

The junk has a large sail area. The full-length battens make sure the sails stay flat. It's one of the flattest sails around, which makes it good for downwind courses. This also comes at a cost: the junk doesn't sail as well upwind.

The cat rig is a sail plan with most commonly just one mast and one sail, the mainsail.

Most sailing dinghies are cats, but there are also larger boats with this type of sail plan. The picture above is a great example.

How to recognize a cat rig:

• smaller boats
• mostly one mast
• one sail per mast
• no standing rigging

Cat-rigged refers to the rigging, not the mast configuration or sail type. So you can have cats with a Bermuda sail (called a Bermuda Cat) or gaff-rigged sail (called a Gaff Cat), and so on. There are also Cat Ketches and Cat Schooners, for example. These have two masts.

The important thing to know is: cats have one sail per mast and no standing rigging .

Most typical place to spot Cats: lakes and inland waters

Famous brig: HMS Beagle (Charles Darwin's ship)

A brig was a very popular type of small warship of the U.S. navy during the 19th century. They were used in the American Revolution and other wars with the United Kingdom. They carry 10-18 guns and are relatively fast and maneuverable. They required less crew than a square-rigged ship.

How to recognize a brig:

• square-rigged foremast
• mainmast square-rigged or square-rigged and gaff-rigged

How to recognize a tall ship:

• three or four masts
• square sails with a pole across the top
• multiple square sails on each mast
• a lot of lines and rigging

Square-rigged ships, or tall ships, are what we think of when we think of pirate ships. Now, most pirate ships weren't actually tall ships, but they come from around the same period. They used to be built from wood, but more modern tall ships are nearly always steel.

Tall ships have three or four masts and square sails which are square-rigged. That means they are attached to the masts with yards.

We have the tall ship races every four years, where dozens of tall ships meet and race just offshore.

Most common place to spot Tall Ships: Museums, special events, open ocean

This is a bonus type since it is not very common anymore. As far as I know, there's only one left.

The Trabaccolo is a small cargo ship used in the Adriatic Sea. It has lug sails. A lug rig is a rectangular sail, but on a long pole or yard that runs fore-and-aft. It was a popular Venetian sailboat used for trade.

The name comes from the Italian word trabacca , which means tent, referring to the sails.

How to recognize a Trabaccolo:

• wide and short hull
• sails look like a tent

Most common place to spot Trabaccolo's: the Marine Museum of Cesenatico has a fully restored Trabaccolo.

So, there you have it. Now you know what to look for, and how to recognize the most common sailboat types easily. Next time you encounter a magnificent sailboat, you'll know what it's called - or where to find out quickly.

I loved this article. I had no idea there were so many kinds of sailboats.

i have a large sailing boat about 28ft. that im having a difficult time identifying. it was my fathers & unfortunately hes passed away now. any helpful information would be appreciated.

Jorge Eusali Castro Archbold

I find a saleboat boat but i can find the módem…os registré out off bru’x, and the saleboat name is TADCOZ, can you tell me who to go about this matter in getting info.thank con voz your time…

Leave a comment

You may also like, guide to understanding sail rig types (with pictures).

There are a lot of different sail rig types and it can be difficult to remember what's what. So I've come up with a system. Let me explain it in this article.

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The Standing Rigging On A Sailboat Explained

The standing rigging on a sailboat is a system of stainless steel wires that holds the mast upright and supports the spars.

In this guide, I’ll explain the basics of a sailboat’s hardware and rigging, how it works, and why it is a fundamental and vital part of the vessel. We’ll look at the different parts of the rig, where they are located, and their function.

We will also peek at a couple of different types of rigs and their variations to determine their differences. In the end, I will explain some additional terms and answer some practical questions I often get asked.

But first off, it is essential to understand what standing rigging is and its purpose on a sailboat.

The purpose of the standing rigging

Like I said in the beginning, the standing rigging on a sailboat is a system of stainless steel wires that holds the mast upright and supports the spars. When sailing, the rig helps transfer wind forces from the sails to the boat’s structure. This is critical for maintaining the stability and performance of the vessel.

The rig can also consist of other materials, such as synthetic lines or steel rods, yet its purpose is the same. But more on that later.

Since the rig supports the mast, you’ll need to ensure that it is always in appropriate condition before taking your boat out to sea. Let me give you an example from a recent experience.

Dismasting horrors

I had a company inspect the entire rig on my sailboat while preparing for an Atlantic crossing. The rigger didn’t find any issues, but I decided to replace the rig anyway because of its unknown age. I wanted to do the job myself so I could learn how it is done correctly.

Not long after, we left Gibraltar and sailed through rough weather for eight days before arriving in Las Palmas. We were safe and sound and didn’t experience any issues. Unfortunately, several other boats arriving before us had suffered rig failures. They lost their masts and sails—a sorrowful sight but also a reminder of how vital the rigging is on a sailboat.

The most common types of rigging on a sailboat

The most commonly used rig type on modern sailing boats is the fore-and-aft Bermuda Sloop rig with one mast and just one headsail. Closely follows the Cutter rig and the Ketch rig. They all have a relatively simple rigging layout. Still, there are several variations and differences in how they are set up.

A sloop has a single mast, and the Ketch has one main mast and an additional shorter mizzen mast further aft. A Cutter rig is similar to the Bermuda Sloop with an additional cutter forestay, allowing it to fly two overlapping headsails.

You can learn more about the differences and the different types of sails they use in this guide. For now, we’ll focus on the Bermuda rig.

The difference between standing rigging and running rigging

Sometimes things can get confusing as some of our nautical terms are used for multiple items depending on the context. Let me clarify just briefly:

The  rig  or  rigging  on a sailboat is a common term for two parts:

• The  standing rigging  consists of wires supporting the mast on a sailboat and reinforcing the spars from the force of the sails when sailing.
• The  running rigging  consists of the halyards, sheets, and lines we use to hoist, lower, operate, and control the sails on a sailboat.

Check out my guide on running rigging here !

The difference between a fractional and a masthead rig

A Bermuda rig is split into two groups. The  Masthead  rig and the  Fractional  rig.

The  Masthead  rig has a forestay running from the bow to the top of the mast, and the spreaders point 90 degrees to the sides. A boat with a masthead rig typically carries a bigger overlapping headsail ( Genoa)  and a smaller mainsail. Very typical on the Sloop, Ketch, and Cutter rigs.

A  Fractional  rig has forestays running from the bow to 1/4 – 1/8 from the top of the mast, and the spreaders are swept backward. A boat with a fractional rig also has the mast farther forward than a masthead rig, a bigger mainsail, and a smaller headsail, usually a Jib. Very typical on more performance-oriented sailboats.

There are exceptions in regards to the type of headsail, though. Many performance cruisers use a Genoa instead of a Jib , making the difference smaller.

Some people also fit an inner forestay, or a babystay, to allow flying a smaller staysail.

Explaining the parts and hardware of the standing rigging

The rigging on a sailing vessel relies on stays and shrouds in addition to many hardware parts to secure the mast properly. And we also have nautical terms for each of them. Since a system relies on every aspect of it to be in equally good condition, we want to familiarize ourselves with each part and understand its function.

Forestay and Backstay

The  forestay  is a wire that runs from the bow to the top of the mast. Some boats, like the Cutter rig, can have several additional inner forestays in different configurations.

The  backstay  is the wire that runs from the back of the boat to the top of the mast. Backstays have a tensioner, often hydraulic, to increase the tension when sailing upwind. Some rigs, like the Cutter, have running backstays and sometimes checkstays or runners, to support the rig.

The primary purpose of the forestay and backstay is to prevent the mast from moving fore and aft. The tensioner on the backstay also allows us to trim and tune the rig to get a better shape of the sails.

The shrouds are the wires or lines used on modern sailboats and yachts to support the mast from sideways motion.

There are usually four shrouds on each side of the vessel. They are connected to the side of the mast and run down to turnbuckles attached through toggles to the chainplates bolted on the deck.

• Cap shrouds run from the top of the mast to the deck, passing through the tips of the upper spreaders.
• Intermediate shrouds  run from the lower part of the mast to the deck, passing through the lower set of spreaders.
• Lower shrouds  are connected to the mast under the first spreader and run down to the deck – one fore and one aft on each side of the boat.

This configuration is called continuous rigging. We won’t go into the discontinuous rigging used on bigger boats in this guide, but if you are interested, you can read more about it here .

Shroud materials

Shrouds are usually made of 1 x 19 stainless steel wire. These wires are strong and relatively easy to install but are prone to stretch and corrosion to a certain degree. Another option is using stainless steel rods.

Rod rigging

Rod rigging has a stretch coefficient lower than wire but is more expensive and can be intricate to install. Alternatively, synthetic rigging is becoming more popular as it weighs less than wire and rods.

Synthetic rigging

Fibers like Dyneema and other aramids are lightweight and provide ultra-high tensile strength. However, they are expensive and much more vulnerable to chafing and UV damage than other options. In my opinion, they are best suited for racing and regatta-oriented sailboats.

Wire rigging

I recommend sticking to the classic 316-graded stainless steel wire rigging for cruising sailboats. It is also the most reasonable of the options. If you find yourself in trouble far from home, you are more likely to find replacement wire than another complex rigging type.

Relevant terms on sailboat rigging and hardware

The spreaders are the fins or wings that space the shrouds away from the mast. Most sailboats have at least one set, but some also have two or three. Once a vessel has more than three pairs of spreaders, we are probably talking about a big sailing yacht.

A turnbuckle is the fitting that connects the shrouds to the toggle and chainplate on the deck. These are adjustable, allowing you to tension the rig.

A chainplate is a metal plate bolted to a strong point on the deck or side of the hull. It is usually reinforced with a backing plate underneath to withstand the tension from the shrouds.

The term mast head should be distinct from the term masthead rigging. Out of context, the mast head is the top of the mast.

A toggle is a hardware fitting to connect the turnbuckles on the shrouds and the chainplate.

How tight should the standing rigging be?

It is essential to periodically check the tension of the standing rigging and make adjustments to ensure it is appropriately set. If the rig is too loose, it allows the mast to sway excessively, making the boat perform poorly.

You also risk applying a snatch load during a tack or a gybe which can damage the rig. On the other hand, if the standing rigging is too tight, it can strain the rig and the hull and lead to structural failure.

The standing rigging should be tightened enough to prevent the mast from bending sideways under any point of sail. If you can move the mast by pulling the cap shrouds by hand, the rigging is too loose and should be tensioned. Once the cap shrouds are tightened, follow up with the intermediates and finish with the lower shrouds. It is critical to tension the rig evenly on both sides.

The next you want to do is to take the boat out for a trip. Ensure that the mast isn’t bending over to the leeward side when you are sailing. A little movement in the leeward shrouds is normal, but they shouldn’t swing around. If the mast bends to the leeward side under load, the windward shrouds need to be tightened. Check the shrouds while sailing on both starboard and port tack.

Once the mast is in a column at any point of sail, your rigging should be tight and ready for action.

If you feel uncomfortable adjusting your rig, get a professional rigger to inspect and reset it.

How often should the standing rigging be replaced on a sailboat?

I asked the rigger who produced my new rig for Ellidah about how long I could expect my new rig to last, and he replied with the following:

The standing rigging should be replaced after 10 – 15 years, depending on how hard and often the boat has sailed. If it is well maintained and the vessel has sailed conservatively, it will probably last more than 20 years. However, corrosion or cracked strands indicate that the rig or parts are due for replacement regardless of age.

If you plan on doing extended offshore sailing and don’t know the age of your rig, I recommend replacing it even if it looks fine. This can be done without removing the mast from the boat while it is still in the water.

How much does it cost to replace the standing rigging?

The cost of replacing the standing rigging will vary greatly depending on the size of your boat and the location you get the job done. For my 41 feet sloop, I did most of the installation myself and paid approximately $4700 for the entire rig replacement.

Can Dyneema be used for standing rigging?

Dyneema is a durable synthetic fiber that can be used for standing rigging. Its low weight, and high tensile strength makes it especially popular amongst racers. Many cruisers also carry Dyneema onboard as spare parts for failing rigging.

How long does dyneema standing rigging last?

Dyneema rigging can outlast wire rigging if it doesn’t chafe on anything sharp. There are reports of Dyneema rigging lasting as long as 15 years, but manufacturers like Colligo claim their PVC shrink-wrapped lines should last 8 to 10 years. You can read more here .

Final words

Congratulations! By now, you should have a much better understanding of standing rigging on a sailboat. We’ve covered its purpose and its importance for performance and safety. While many types of rigs and variations exist, the hardware and concepts are often similar. Now it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into practice and set sail!

Or, if you’re not ready just yet, I recommend heading over to my following guide to learn more about running rigging on a sailboat.

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Skipper, Electrician and ROV Pilot

Robin is the founder and owner of Sailing Ellidah and has been living on his sailboat since 2019. He is currently on a journey to sail around the world and is passionate about writing his story and helpful content to inspire others who share his interest in sailing.

Very well written. Common sense layout with just enough photos and sketches. I enjoyed reading this article.

Thank you for the kind words.

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Engineering:Bermuda rig

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A Bermuda rig , Bermudian rig , or Marconi rig is a configuration of mast and rigging for a type of sailboat and is the typical configuration for most modern sailboats. This configuration was developed in Bermuda in the 1600s; the term Marconi , a reference to the inventor of the radio , Guglielmo Marconi , became associated with this configuration in the early 1900s because the wires that stabilize the mast of a Bermuda rig reminded observers of the wires on early radio masts. [1]

• 1 Description
• 6 References
• 7 Further reading
• 8 External links

Description

The rig consists of a triangular sail set aft of the mast with its mainsail raised to the top of the mast; its luff runs down the mast and is normally attached to it for its entire length; its tack is attached at the base of the mast; its foot (in modern versions of the rig) controlled by a boom ; and its clew attached to the aft end of the boom, which is controlled by its sheet . [2]

Originally developed for smaller Bermudian vessels, and ultimately adapted to the larger, ocean-going Bermuda sloop , the Bermuda sail is set as the mainsail on the main mast . The Bermuda rigging has largely replaced the older gaff rigged fore-and-aft sails, except notably on schooners . The traditional design as developed in Bermuda features very tall, raked masts, a long bowsprit , and may or may not have a boom. In some configurations such as the Bermuda Fitted Dinghy vast areas of sail are achieved with this rig. Elsewhere, however, the design has omitted the bowsprit, and has otherwise become less extreme. [3]

A Bermuda rigged sloop with a single jib is known as a Bermuda sloop , a Marconi sloop , or a Marconi rig . A Bermuda sloop may also be a more specific type of vessel such as a small sailing ships traditional in Bermuda which may or may not be Bermuda rigged . [4]

The foot of a Bermuda sail may be attached to the boom along its length, or in some modern rigs the sail is attached to the boom only at its ends. This modern variation of a Bermuda mainsail is known as a loose-footed main . In some early Bermudian vessels, the mainsails were attached only to the mast and deck, lacking booms. This is the case on two of the three masts of the newly built Spirit of Bermuda , a replica of an 1830s British Royal Navy sloop-of-war . Additional sails were also often mounted on traditional Bermudian craft, when running down wind, which included a spinnaker , with a spinnaker boom, and additional jibs. [5]

The main controls on a Bermuda sail are: [6] [7]

• The cunningham tightens the luff of a boom-footed sail by pulling downward on a cringle in the luff of a mainsail above the tack. [8]
• The halyard used to raise the head, and sometimes to tension the luff.
• The outhaul used to tension the foot by hauling the clew towards the end of the boom.
• The sheet used to haul the boom down and towards the center of the boat.
• The vang or kicking strap which runs between a point partway along the boom and the base of the mast, and is used to provide a downward force on the boom, which helps to prevent excessive twist in the leach, particularly when reaching or running.

The development of the rig is thought to have begun with fore-and-aft rigged boats built by a Dutch-born Bermudian in the 1600s. The Dutch were influenced by Moorish lateen rigs introduced during Spain's rule of their country. The Dutch eventually modified the design by omitting the masts, with the yard arms of the lateens being stepped in thwarts . By this process, the yards became raked masts. Lateen sails mounted this way were known as leg-of-mutton sails in English. The Dutch called a vessel rigged in this manner a bezaanjacht (nl). A bezaan jacht is visible in a painting of King Charles II arriving in Rotterdam in 1660. After sailing on such a vessel, Charles was so impressed that his eventual successor, the Prince of Orange presented him with a copy of his own, which Charles named Bezaan . [9] The rig had been introduced to Bermuda some decades before this. Captain John Smith reported that Captain Nathaniel Butler, who was the governor of Bermuda from 1619 to 1622, employed the Dutch boat builder, Jacob Jacobsen, [10] one of the crew of a Dutch frigate which had been wrecked on Bermuda, who quickly established a leading position among Bermuda's boat makers, reportedly building and selling more than a hundred boats within the space of three years (to the resentment of many of his competitors, who were forced to emulate his designs). [11] [12] A poem published by John H. Hardie in 1671 described Bermuda's boats such: With tripple corner'd Sayls they always float, About the Islands, in the world there are, None in all points that may with them compare. [13]

Ships with somewhat similar rigs were in fact recorded in Holland during the 1600s. These early Bermuda rigged boats evidently lacked jibs or booms, and the masts appear not to have been as robust as they were to become (a boat rigged with a Bermuda or gaff mainsail and no jib would today be known as a catboat ). In 1675, Samuel Fortrey, of Kew, wrote to the naval administrator and Member of Parliament, Samuel Pepys, a treatise entitled Of Navarchi , suggesting the improvement of the Bermoodn rig with the addition of a boom, but evidently nothing came of this. Bermudian builders did introduce these innovations themselves, though when they first appeared has been lost to record. [2] [14]

By the 1800s, the design of Bermudian vessels had largely dispensed with square topsails and gaff rig, replacing them with triangular main sails and jibs. The Bermuda rig had traditionally been used on vessels with two or more masts, with the gaff rig favoured for single-masted vessels. The reason for this was the increased height necessary for a single mast, which led to too much canvas. The solid wooden masts at that height were also too heavy, and not sufficiently strong. This changed when the boats began to be raced in the early 1800s. H. G. Hunt, a naval officer (and possibly the Henry G. Hunt who was the Acting Governor of Bermuda in 1835) concluded in the 1820s that a single-masted sloop would be superior to the schooner he had been racing and was proved correct when the yacht he had commissioned won a secret race against a schooner the night before a public race, and the public race itself the following day. Single-masted sloops quickly became the norm in Bermudian racing, with the introduction of hollow masts and other refinements. [2]

The colony's lightweight Bermuda cedar vessels were widely prized for their agility and speed, especially upwind. [15] The high, raked masts and long bowsprits and booms favoured in Bermuda allowed its vessels of all sizes to carry vast areas of sail when running down-wind with spinnakers and multiple jibs, allowing great speeds to be reached. Bermudian work boats, mostly small sloops, were ubiquitous on the archipelago's waters in the 1800s, moving freight, people, and everything else about. The rig was eventually adopted almost universally on small sailing craft in the 1900s, although as seen on most modern vessels it is very much less extreme than on traditional Bermudian designs, with lower, vertical masts, shorter booms, omitted bowsprits, and much less area of canvas. [2]

The term Marconi rig was first applied to the tall Bermuda rig used on larger racing yachts, such as the J class used since 1914 for the America's Cup international yacht races, as - with the many supporting cables required - it reminded observers of Guglielmo Marconi 's mast-like wireless antennas (Marconi's first demonstrations in the United States took place in the autumn of 1899, with the reporting of the America's Cup at New York). Although sometimes treated as interchangeable with Bermuda rig generally, some purists insist that Marconi rig refers only to the very tall Bermuda rig used on yachts like the J-class. [2]

The 1831 painting, by John Lynn, of the Bermuda sloop of the Royal Navy upon which the Spirit of Bermuda was modelled

The sail training ship Spirit of Bermuda .

A 19th-century race in Bermuda. Visible are three Bermuda rigged and two gaff rigged sloops.

A Bermuda Fitted Dinghy at Mangrove Bay in 2016

• Glossary of nautical terms (A-L)
• Glossary of nautical terms (M-Z)
• B&R rig
• Masthead rig
• Fractional rig
• Sailing in Bermuda: Sail Racing in the Nineteenth Century , by J.C. Arnell, 1982. Published by the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. Printed by the University of Toronto Press.
• ↑ Stephens, William P. (January 1942) (in en). Memories of American Yachting—The Rig . New York: Motor Boating. pp. 104–6 . https://books.google.com/books?id=2hXr_lhBzaMC&q=marconi+bermuda+rig&pg=PA106 .  
• ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Boats, Boffins and Bowlines: The Stories of Sailing Inventors and Innovations , by George Drower. The History Press. 1 May 2011. ISBN :075246065X
• ↑ Chapelle, Howard Irving (1951) (in en). American Small Sailing Craft: Their Design, Development, and Construction . W. W. Norton & Company. p.  233 . ISBN   9780393031430 . https://archive.org/details/isbn_0393031438 . "bermuda sloop."  
• ↑ Rousmaniere, John (2014-01-07) (in en). The Annapolis Book of Seamanship: Fourth Edition . Simon and Schuster. pp. 42. ISBN   9781451650198 . https://books.google.com/books?id=EHR1AgAAQBAJ&q=marconi+bermuda+rig&pg=PA42 .  
• ↑ Fitzpatrick, Lynn (January 2008) (in en). Bermuda's School Spirit . Cruising World. pp. 44–6 . https://books.google.com/books?id=s6KTCm_D-t4C&q=%22Spirit+of+Bermuda%22+history&pg=PA46 .  
• ↑ Schweer, Peter (2006). How to Trim Sails . Sailmate. Sheridan House, Inc. pp. 105. ISBN   9781574092202 . https://books.google.com/books?id=UMqngdGSpdgC&q=barber+hauler&pg=PA42 .  
• ↑ Howard, Jim; Doane, Charles J. (2000). Handbook of Offshore Cruising: The Dream and Reality of Modern Ocean Cruising . Sheridan House, Inc.. pp. 468. ISBN   9781574090932 . https://books.google.com/books?id=NB4uFQuUlnEC&q=running+rigging&pg=PA63 .  
• ↑ Holmes, Rupert; Evans, Jeremy (2014). The Dinghy Bible: The Complete Guide for Novices and Experts . A&C Black. pp. 192. ISBN   9781408188002 . https://books.google.com/books?id=Dc6EAAAAQBAJ&q=trapeze+wire+dinghy&pg=PT61 .  
• ↑ "New Ship: The Sloop" . MM Hell . http://www.mmhell.com/news/1/319.html .  
• ↑ Harrison, Donald H.. "Jewish Sightseeing - Judah in Bermuda Part II: Under the surface, a troubled past for Jews in Bermuda " . http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/bermuda/sd10-29_bermuda.htm .  
• ↑ Sailing in Bermuda: Sail Racing in the Nineteenth Century , by J.C. Arnell, 1982. Published by the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. Printed by the University of Toronto Press.
• ↑ Ships, slaves and slipways: towards an archaeology of shipbuilding in Bermuda , by Paul Belford. The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology
• ↑ Chapin, Howard M. (1926) (in en). Privateer Ships and Sailors: The First Century of American Colonial Privateering, 1625-1725 . Imprimerie G. Mouton . https://books.google.com/books?id=1y9CAAAAIAAJ&q=With+tripple+corner'd+Sayls+they+always+float,+About+the+Islands,+in+the+world+there+are,+None+in+all+points+that+may+with+them+compare . .  
• ↑ We invented the international 'modern' Rig , by Dr. Edward C. Harris, MBE, Executive Director of the Bermuda Maritime Museum. The Royal Gazette, Hamilton, Bermuda
• ↑ Shorto, Gavin (2018-04-05). "Bermuda in the Privateering Business" (in en-US). The Bermudian Magazine . https://www.thebermudian.com/heritage/heritage-heritage/bermuda-in-the-privateering-business/ .  

Further reading

• Rousmaniere, John (June 1998). The Illustrated Dictionary of Boating Terms: 2000 Essential Terms for Sailors and Powerboaters (Paperback). W. W. Norton & Company. pp. 174. ISBN   0393339181 .   ISBN :978-0393339185

External links

• Bermuda Sloop Foundation
• Rootsweb: Excerpt of Tidewater Triumph , by Geoffrey Footner, describing development of the Baltimore clipper (large chapter on Bermuda sloops and role of Bermudian boatbuilders).
• Partial list of Bermudian-built Royal Naval vessels (from The Andrew and the Onions , by Lt. Cmdr. I. Strannack).
• Rootsweb: Comprehensive list of Ships of Bermuda .
• The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
• Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club
• Barca-longa
• Herring buss
• Ljungström sailboat
• Mast aft rig
• Pocket cruiser
• Sailing hydrofoil
• Sailing yacht
• Trailer sailer
• Floating restaurant
• Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter
• Mersey flat
• Norfolk punt
• Norfolk wherry
• Pinnace (ship's boat)
• Thames sailing barge
• Sailing rigs and rigging

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The innovative Bermuda rig boat design, dating back to the 1600s, created the ability to zig-zag upwind becoming the basis for most modern day sailing boats.

Bermuda’s Pilot Gig Rowing History

The pilot gigs were raced to approaching ships to compete for the opportunity to pilot the ships approaching the island – the first boat to reach the ship would get the job!

The relationship between Bermudians and the sea has shaped our cultural identity from the earliest days of settlement until present day.

“Boats, next to fortifications are the most important, beneficial and useful instruments that the Island can possibly have.”

Bermuda Governor, Nathaniel Butler, 1620.

Check Out These Historical Slides

These slides have been provided by Jane Downing, with permission from The National Museum of Bermuda.

• The innovative Bermuda rig boat design, dating back to the 1600s, created the ability to zig-zag upwind becoming the basis for most modern day sailing boats. Still used today, the design continues to be implemented in cutting-edge sailing technology. 99% of the world uses the Bermuda Rig design.
• Bermuda Cedar is an incredibly strong resilient form of wood but also incredibly lightweight which allowed most early designs to be singularly planked instead of the traditionally double planked vessels.
• Did you know? Bermudians refer to traveling up and down the island in reference to the average wind direction. So, if traveling from Somerset to St. Georges you would normally be going with the wind - “down the country”.

Pilot Gig Rowing Today

Our pilot gigs are 32 foot long, six-oared rowing boats, historically wooden but are now constructed of fiberglass for easy maintenance. They are sea-going and are almost exactly the same design as the pilot gigs used in Bermuda for hundreds of years. The boats are used every morning and evening during the week and weekend. Our active members range from age 14 to 70+, in which all ages engage in social and/or competitive rowing.

Cultural Heritage

Pilot Gigs are an important part of Bermuda’s multi-racial maritime history. In addition to our sporting events the gigs are used for reenactments and local tourist experiences, thereby contributing to Bermuda’s cultural tourism appeal. The Bermuda Tourism Authority fully and financially supports our project.

Youth and Sport

Pilot gig racing is fast becoming an international sport for which Bermuda’s waters are ideally suited.  The sport is open to everyone from schoolchildren to senior citizens.  It promotes the development of ‘team spirit’, self-esteem and fitness.  It is a grass roots sport which has broad appeal for all segments of the community.

Health and Fitness

The Bermuda Diabetes Association has recognized the importance of gig rowing as a unique and exciting alternative in helping people pursue a healthy lifestyle and preventing the onset of diabetes. They consequently provided funding for one of our gigs and supported one of our regattas in autumn 2015.

Ready to give pilot gig rowing a try?

Types of Sailboats: A Complete Guide

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Learning the different types of sailboats can help you identify vessels and choose the right boat.

In this article, we'll cover the most common kinds of sailboats, their origins, and what they're used for. We'll also go over the strengths and weaknesses of each design, along with when they're most useful.

The most common kind of sailboat is the sloop, as it's simple to operate and versatile. Other common sailboat types include the schooner, cutter, cat, ketch, schooner, catamaran, and trimaran. Other sailboat variations include pocket cruisers, motorsailers, displacement, and shoal-draft vessels.

The information found in this article is sourced from boat reference guides, including A Field Guide to Sailboats of North America by Richard M. Sherwood and trusted sources in the sailing community.

Table of contents

Distinguishing Types of Sailboats

In this article, we'll distinguish sailboats by traits such as their hull type, rig, and general configuration. Some sailboats share multiple characteristics with other boats but fall into a completely different category. For example, a sailboat with a Bermuda rig, a large engine, and a pilothouse could technically be called a sloop, but it's more likely a motorsailer.

When discerning sailboat type, the first most obvious place to look is the hull. If it has only one hull, you can immediately eliminate the trimaran and the catamaran. If it has two or more hulls, it's certainly not a typical monohull vessel.

The next trait to consider is the rig. You can tell a lot about a sailboat based on its rig, including what it's designed to be used for. For example, a long and slender sailboat with a tall triangular rig is likely designed for speed or racing, whereas a wide vessel with a complex gaff rig is probably built for offshore cruising.

Other factors that determine boat type include hull shape, overall length, cabin size, sail plan, and displacement. Hull material also plays a role, but every major type of sailboat has been built in both wood and fiberglass at some point.

Sailboat vs. Motorsailer

Most sailboats have motors, but most motorized sailboats are not motorsailers. A motorsailer is a specific kind of sailboat designed to run efficiently under sail and power, and sometimes both.

Most sailboats have an auxiliary engine, though these power plants are designed primarily for maneuvering. These vessels cannot achieve reasonable speed or fuel-efficiency. Motorsailers can operate like a powerboat.

Motorsailers provide great flexibility on short runs. They're great family boats, and they're popular in coastal communities with heavy boat traffic. However, these features come at a cost. Motorsailers aren't the fastest or most efficient powerboats, and they're also not the most agile sailboats. That said, they make an excellent general-purpose sailing craft.

Monohull vs. Multi-hull: Which is Better?

Multihull sailboats are increasingly popular, thanks to advances and lightweight materials, and sailboat design. But are they better than traditional sailboats? Monohulls are easier to maintain and less expensive, and they offer better interior layouts. Multihulls are more stable and comfortable, and they're significantly easier to control. Multihull sailboats also have a speed advantage.

Monohull Sailboats

A monohull sailboat is a traditionally-shaped vessel with a single hull. The vast majority of consumer sailboats are monohulls, as they're inexpensive to produce and easy to handle. Monohull sailboats are proven and easy to maintain, though they lack the initial stability and motion comfort of multi-hull vessels.

Monohull sailboats have a much greater rig variety than multi-hull sailboats. The vast majority of multihull sailboats have a single mast, whereas multi-masted vessels such as yawls and schooners are always monohulls. Some multi-hull sailboats have side-by-side masts, but these are the exception.

Catamaran Sailboats

The second most common sailboat configuration is the catamaran. A catamaran is a multihull sailboat that has two symmetrical hulls placed side-by-side and connected with a deck. This basic design has been used for hundreds of years, and it experienced a big resurgence in the fiberglass boat era.

Catamarans are fast, efficient, and comfortable. They don't heel very much, as this design has excellent initial stability. The primary drawback of the catamaran is below decks. The cabin of a catamaran is split between both hulls, which often leaves less space for the galley, head, and living areas.

Trimaran Sailboats

Trimarans are multi-hull sailboats similar to catamarans. Trimarans have three hulls arranged side-by-side. The profile of a trimaran is often indistinguishable from a catamaran.

Trimarans are increasingly popular, as they're faster than catamarans and monohulls and considerably easier to control. Trimarans suffer from the same spatial limitations as catamarans. The addition of an extra hull adds additional space, which is one reason why these multi-hull vessels are some of the best-selling sailboats on the market today.

Sailboat Rig Types

Rigging is another way to distinguish sailboat types. The rig of a sailboat refers to it's mast and sail configuration. Here are the most common types of sailboat rigs and what they're used for.

Sloops are the most common type of sailboat on the water today. A sloop is a simple single-mast rig that usually incorporates a tall triangular mainsail and headsail. The sloop rig is easy to control, fun to sail, and versatile. Sloops are common on racing sailboats as they can sail quite close to the wind. These maneuverable sailboats also have excellent windward performance.

The sloop rig is popular because it works well in almost any situation. That said, other more complex rigs offer finer control and superior performance for some hull types. Additionally, sloops spread their entire sail area over just to canvases, which is less flexible than multi-masted rigs. The sloop is ideal for general-purpose sailing, and it's proven itself inland and offshore.

Sloop Features:

• Most popular sailboat rig
• Single mast
• One mainsail and headsail
• Typically Bermuda-rigged
• Easy to handle
• Great windward performance
• Less precise control
• Easier to capsize
• Requires a tall mast

Suitable Uses:

• Offshore cruising
• Coastal cruising

Cat (Catboat)

The cat (or catboat) is a single-masted sailboat with a large, single mainsail. Catboats have a thick forward mast, no headsail, and an exceptionally long boom. These vessels are typically gaff-rigged, as this four-edged rig offers greater sail area with a shorter mast. Catboats were popular workboats in New England around the turn of the century, and they have a large following today.

Catboats are typically short and wide, which provides excellent stability in rough coastal conditions. They're hardy and seaworthy vessels, but they're slow and not ideal for offshore use. Catboats are simple and easy to control, as they only have a single gaff sail. Catboats are easy to spot thanks to their forward-mounted mast and enormous mainsail.

Catboat Features:

• Far forward-mounted single mast
• Large four-sided gaff sail
• Short and wide with a large cockpit
• Usually between 20 and 30 feet in length
• Excellent workboats
• Tough and useful design
• Great for fishing
• Large cockpit and cabin
• Not ideal for offshore sailing
• Single sail offers less precise control
• Slow compared to other rigs
• Inland cruising

At first glance, a cutter is difficult to distinguish from a sloop. Both vessels have a single mast located in roughly the same position, but the sail plan is dramatically different. The cutter uses two headsails and often incorporates a large spar that extends from the bow (called a bowsprit).

The additional headsail is called a staysail. A sloop only carries one headsail, which is typically a jib. Cutter headsails have a lower center of gravity which provides superior performance in rough weather. It's more difficult to capsize a cutter, and they offer more precise control than a sloop. Cutters have more complex rigging, which is a disadvantage for some people.

Cutter Features:

• Two headsails
• Long bowsprit
• Similar to sloop
• Gaff or Bermuda-rigged
• Fast and efficient
• Offers precise control
• Superior rough-weather performance
• More complex than the sloop rig
• Harder to handle than simpler rigs

Perhaps the most majestic type of sailboat rig, the schooner is a multi-masted vessel with plenty of history and rugged seaworthiness. The schooner is typically gaff-rigged with short masts and multiple sails. Schooners are fast and powerful vessels with a complex rig. These sailboats have excellent offshore handling characteristics.

Schooners have a minimum of two masts, but some have three or more. The aftermost large sail is the mainsail, and the nearly identical forward sail is called the foresail. Schooners can have one or more headsail, which includes a cutter-style staysail. Some schooners have an additional smaller sale aft of the mainsail called the mizzen.

Schooner Features:

• At least two masts
• Usually gaff-rigged
• One or more headsails
• Excellent offshore handling
• Precise control
• Numerous sail options (headsails, topsails, mizzen)
• Fast and powerful
• Complex and labor-intensive rig
• Difficult to adjust rig single-handed
• Offshore fishing

Picture a ketch as a sloop or a cutter with an extra mast behind the mainsail. These vessels are seaworthy, powerful, excellent for offshore cruising. A ketch is similar to a yawl, except its larger mizzen doesn't hang off the stern. The ketch is either gaff or Bermuda-rigged.

Ketch-rigged sailboats have smaller sails, and thus, shorter masts. This makes them more durable and controllable in rough weather. The mizzen can help the boat steer itself, which is advantageous on offshore voyages. A ketch is likely slower than a sloop or a cutter, which means you aren't likely to find one winning a race.

Ketch Features:

• Headsail (or headsails), mainsail, and mizzen
• Mizzen doesn't extend past the rudder post
• Good offshore handling
• Controllable and mild
• Shorter and stronger masts
• Easy self-steering
• Slower than sloops and cutters
• Less common on the used market

A dinghy is a general term for a small sailboat of fewer than 28 feet overall. Dinghys are often dual-power boats, which means they usually have oars or a small outboard in addition to a sail. These small boats are open-top and only suitable for cruising in protected waters. Many larger sailboats have a deployable dinghy on board to get to shore when at anchor.

Dinghy Features:

• One or two people maximum capacity
• Easy to sail
• Works with oars, sails, or an outboard
• Great auxiliary boat
• Small and exposed
• Not suitable for offshore use
• Going from anchor to shore
• Protected recreational sailing (lakes, rivers, and harbors)

Best Sailboat Type for Stability

Stability is a factor that varies widely between sailboat types. There are different types of stability, and some sailors prefer one over another. For initial stability, the trimaran wins with little contest. This is because these vessels have a very high beam-to-length ratio, which makes them much less prone to rolling. Next up is the catamaran, which enjoys the same benefit from a wide beam but lacks the additional support of a center hull section.

It's clear that in most conditions, multihull vessels have the greatest stability. But what about in rough weather? And what about capsizing? Multihull sailboats are impossible to right after a knockdown. This is where full-keel monohull sailboats excel.

Traditional vessels with deep displacement keels are the safest and most stable in rough weather. The shape, depth, and weight of their keels keep them from knocking over and rolling excessively. In many cases, these sailboats will suffer a dismasting long before a knockdown. The primary disadvantage of deep-keeled sailboats is their tendency to heel excessively. This characteristic isn't hazardous, though it can make novice sailors nervous and reduce cabin comfort while underway.

Best Sailboat Type for Offshore Cruising

The best sailboat type for offshore cruising is the schooner. These graceful aid robust vessels have proven themselves over centuries as durable and capable vessels. They typically use deep displacement keels, which makes them stable in rough weather and easy to keep on course.

That said, the full answer isn't quite so simple. Modern multihull designs are an attractive option, and they have also proven to be strong and safe designs. Multihull sailboats are an increasingly popular option for offshore sailors, and they offer comfort that was previously unknown in the sailing community.

Many sailors cross oceans in basic Bermuda-rigged monohulls and take full advantage of a fin-keel design speed. At the end of the day, the best offshore cruising sailboat is whatever you are comfortable handling and living aboard. There are physical limits to all sailboat designs, though almost any vessel can make it across an ocean if piloted by a competent skipper and crew.

Best Sailboat Type for Racing The modern lightweight Bermuda-rigged sailboat is the king of the regatta. When designed with the right kind of hull, these vessels are some of the fastest sailboats ever developed. Many boats constructed between the 1970s and today incorporate these design features due to their favorable coastal and inland handling characteristics. Even small sailboats, such as the Cal 20 and the Catalina 22, benefit from this design. These boats are renowned for their speed and handling characteristics.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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The Various Types of Sailboats and Rigs

 Aditya Adjie / EyeEm / Getty Images

The Modern Sloop

The most common type of small-to-midsize sailboat is the sloop. The rig is one mast and two sails. The mainsail is a tall, triangular sail mounted to the mast at its leading edge, with the foot of the sail along the boom, which extends aft from the mast. The sail in front called the jib or sometimes the headsail, mounts on the forestay between the bow and the masthead, with its trailing corner controlled by the jib sheet.

The Bermuda or Marconi Rig

These tall triangular sails are called the Bermuda rig, or sometimes the Marconi rig, named for their development more than two centuries ago in Bermudan boats. Because of the physics of how force is generated by wind blowing past a sail, tall thin sails generally have more power when the boat is sailing into the wind.

Racing Sloop

Gail Oskin / Getty Images

Here is another example of a sloop with a Bermuda rig. This is PUMA Ocean Racing's il Mostro, one of the fastest monohull sailboats in the world, in the 2008/2009 Volvo Ocean Race. The sails are much bigger than found on most cruising sailboats, but the general rig is the same. In both of the sloops shown so far, the jib reaches to the top of the masthead. These are sometimes called masthead sloops.

Fractional Sloop Rig

Ahunt [CC0] / Wikimedia Commons

Here, notice a small racing dinghy with a sloop rig. This is still a Bermuda rig, but the mainsail is proportionally larger and the jib smaller, for ease of handling and maximum power. Note that the top of the jib rises only a fraction of the distance to the masthead. Such a rig is called a fractional sloop.

KenWiedemann / Getty Images

While a sloop always has two sails, a cat-rigged boat generally has only one. The mast is positioned very far forward, almost at the bow, making room for a very long-footed mainsail. The mainsail of a cat rig may have a traditional boom or, as in this boat, a loose-footed mainsail attached at the aft corner to what is called a wishbone boom.

Compared to Bermuda Rigs

A primary advantage of a cat rig is the ease of sail handling, such as not having to deal with jib sheets when tacking. Generally, a cat rig is not considered as powerful as a Bermuda rig, however, and is more rarely used in modern boats.

Cat-Rigged Racing Dinghy

technotr / Getty Images

In this photo, there is another cat rig, which works well on small racing dinghies like this Laser. With a small boat and one sailor, a cat rig has the advantages of being simple to trim and very maneuverable when racing.​

John White Photos / Getty Images

A popular rig for midsize cruising boats is the ketch, which is like a sloop with a second, smaller mast set aft called the mizzenmast. The mizzen sail functions much like a second mainsail. A ketch carries about the same total square footage of sail area as a sloop of the equivalent size.

Make Sail Handling Easy

The primary advantages of a ketch are that each of the sails is usually somewhat smaller than on a sloop of equivalent size, making sail handling easier. Smaller sails are lighter, easier to hoist and trim and smaller to stow. Having three sails also allows for more flexible sail combinations. For example, with the wind at an intensity that a sloop might have to double-reef the main to reduce sail area, a ketch may sail very well under just jib and mizzen. This is popularly called sailing under “jib and jigger”—the jigger being an old square-rigger term for the aft-most mast flying a triangular sail.

While a ketch offers these advantages to cruisers, they may also be more expensive because of the added mast and sail. The sloop rig is also considered faster and is therefore used almost exclusively in racing sailboats.

Public Domain

A yawl is very similar to a ketch. The mizzenmast is usually smaller and sets farther aft, behind the rudder post, while in a ketch the mizzenmast is forward of the rudder post. Aside from this technical difference, the yawl and ketch rigs are similar and have similar advantages and disadvantages.

Tomás Fano [ CC BY-SA 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

A typical schooner has two masts, and sometimes more, but the masts are positioned more forward in the boat. Unlike in a ketch or yawl, the forward mast is smaller than the aft mast (or sometimes the same size). One or more jibs may fly forward of the foremast.

Traditional Schooners

While some modern schooners may use triangular, Bermuda-like sails on one or both masts, traditional schooners like the one shown here have gaff-rigged sails. At the top of the sail is a short spar called the gaff, which allows the sail to extend back along a fourth side, gaining size over a triangular sail of the same height.

Gaff-rigged schooners are still seen in many areas and are well loved for their historic appearance and sweeping lines, but they are seldom used anymore for private cruising. The gaff rig is not as efficient as the Bermuda rig, and the rig is more complicated and requires more crew for sail handling.

Schooner With Topsail and Flying Jibs

  Print Collector   / Getty Images

Above is another gaff-rigged schooner that is using a topsail and several flying jibs. Tacking or gybing a complicated sail plan like this takes a lot of crew and expertise.

Square-Rigged Tall Ship

Bettmann  / Getty Images

In this illustration, notice a large three-masted square-rigger flying five tiers of square sails, several headsails, and a mizzen sail. Although this is a modern ship, one of many still used around the world for sail training and passenger cruise ships, the rig is essentially unchanged from centuries ago. Columbus, Magellan, and the other early sea explorers sailed in square-riggers.

Generating Power

Remarkably efficient sailing downwind or well off the wind, square sails do not generate power from their leading edge as in the Bermuda rig, which has become predominant in modern times. Thus, square-riggers generally do not sail upwind. It was due to this limitation that the great trade wind sailing routes around the world were developed centuries ago.

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Voyager explains junk rig choice

My decision to buy a Chinese junk-rigged schooner was shaped by several factors. Foremost was the certainty that I would be voyaging and not racing. The second important consideration was the rig’s simplicity. Made up mostly of lines and knots, this feature guaranteed less maintenance time and far less maintenance and replacement costs. There would be no expensive stainless fittings, winches, or high-tech sail materials. The third consideration was ease of handling. I knew that I would probably sail by myself or with inexperienced crews. Therefore, I wanted a boat I could handle safely and comfortably from the cockpit with a minimum of sail handling on the foredeck. Last, I was won over by the design and voyaging exploits of several well-known sailors who experimented with modern interpretations of this almost 2,000-year-old rig.

Back in the 1970s, Thomas Colvin designed and built several junk-rigged boats in Chesapeake Bay. One of his most popular designs, an aluminum schooner called Gazelle, can still be found occasionally in classified sailing magazine advertisements. He extolled the unique charm of the Chinese junk rig in a book called Cruising as a Way of Life.

Englishmen Blondie Hassler and Michael Richey made history by sailing the junk-rigged folkboat, Jester, in 13 successive Atlantic singlehanded races. It was the first singlehanded Atlantic race in 1960 that pitted Chichester against Hassler and his junk-rigged sloop. Chi-chester’s Gypsy Moth won that race, but Jester, captained by Michael Richey, subsequently established a record for the most race attempts. The fact that the boat and rig held up in this most inhospitable North Atlantic Ocean race is a testament to the boat and sail designs. In 1988 Hassler teamed up with Jock McLeod to write a definitive book on the junk-rig called Practical Junk Rig.

A dedicated group of British sailors has adapted this ancient sail plan for modern Western craft. They also formed the Junk Rig Association to further the study and exchange of ideas toward improving the rig. One of my all-time favorite sailor-authors is Bernard Moitessier. This Frenchman was born in Vietnam and acquired much of his early sailing experience in traditional junks. Although he changed to a more modern Bermuda-rigged boat for his many sailing exploits, he wrote nostalgically about those early sailing days in junks.

Almost everyone’s first sailing hero is Joshua Slocum. His greatest exploit is being the first singlehander to make it around the world in 1895 and write about it in a book called Sailing Alone around the World. He accomplished this awesome feat in a boat called Spray, a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. However, later in life he built the junk-rigged Liberdade for a trip from South America back to the U.S. This adventure is described in his book The Voyage of the Liberdade. The writings of these famous sailors made a deep impression on my choice of boat. Admittedly, I was also drawn to the uniqueness of the sail design. I wanted to be different and not have a boat that looked like every other boat in the harbor. I finally settled on a 32-foot Sunbird schooner made in England. It has a traditional Western, fiberglass hull and a pair of tan-bark, Chinese junk sails.

Almost everyone who stops to stare at my rig admires the unusual design but quickly turns the discussion to her poor light-air windward performance. I don’t disagree with this assessment, although I get a little frustrated and defensive having to explain that there is much more to voyaging than going to windward. I feel that the positive qualities of the rig far outweigh this concern.

Over years of coastal cruising I have learned to live with the fact that anywhere from 20% to 40% of passage time is spent under engine power or motorsailing. On my two transatlantic crossings, the engine was used more sparingly, and the sailing was slow but kindly. Even after an unfortunate dismasting of the foresail in mid-ocean, 1,500 miles from the Canaries, the remaining sail provided a safe, albeit slower, passage to the Bahamas.

In his wonderfully illustrated book, Ships of China, Valentin Sokoloff writes, "A hand-crafted sailing ship is a living thing with its own character and charm. A Chinese junk is even more so, and no wonder, as it was invented by an offspring of a nymph and a rainbow. His name was Fu Hsi, the first great ruler, who, they say, was born in 2852 B.C. Then Lu Pan, founder of the art of carpentry, greatly improved the original design. Further generations of Chinese shipwrights gave junks their final seaworthy and practical shape."

The evolution of sailboat design in the West has taken place over a much shorter period of time and a much different tack than in China. Today the epitome of Western boat design is represented by America’s Cup contenders and similar high-tech racing boats. Variations of the Bermuda rig (also known as Marconi rig, for the inventor’s tall radio transmitting tower) is seen on virtually every racing and voyaging boat to come off the showroom floor. For the most part, the emphasis in these designs is speed and, particularly, performance to windward. But there are obviously other aspects of sailing, especially voyaging; that is where the Chinese rig comes into its own.

The distinct advantage of the Chinese balanced-lug rig is in shorthanded, comfortable voyaging. Modern junk rigs have married the ancient designs with new materials, replacing bamboo and grass mats with fiberglass and Dacron. The resulting modern rig can be easily handled with less strength and endurance and without leaving the safety of the cockpit. Sailing with this rig can be relaxed, enjoyable, and safe without the high working loads of more popular triangular sails with their taut sheets and strenuous winching. The junk rig is easily reefed in strong winds and easily balanced for self-steering vanes and for lower loads on the tiller or wheel.

At first sight the rig’s unusual appearance is confusing to Western eyes. However, it is extraordinarily simple, clever, and easy to handle. The balanced-lug sails have full-length fiberglass battens that are laced across the width of the sail from luff to leech, as shown in the accompanying illustration. Each of the battens divides the sail into separate panels. The top batten is the yard, a heavier batten than the others because it carries the full weight of the sail. The bottom batten is the boom. It carries very little load and, therefore, needs to be no larger than the other battens.

The head of the sail is laced to the yard, which is hauled up by the halyard. The halyard is a multi-part block system to reduce the effort of hauling the sail. No winches are needed with this system, and the halyard can be hauled from the cockpit. The sail is held against the mast by a series of batten parrels. The sail always lies on one side of the mast and extends a short distance forward of the mast. This is what makes it a balanced lug rig, similar to a balanced rudder with a small area in front of the rudder stock. On one tack the sail lies directly on the mast. On the other tack it is constrained by the batten parrels. Multiple topping lifts, or lazy jacks, are tied off at the boom and create a cradle for the sail when reefed or completely lowered.

Two additional parrel lines are led back to the cockpit to control the fore and aft position of the sail. The yard parrel is used to hold the yard snugly to the mast. This is most important when the sail is reefed and would have a tendency to swing aft of the mast. The yard parrel brings the sail forward. Similarly, the luff parrel is used to prevent the sail from going too far forward and maintains moderate tension on the luff of the sail. Between these two parrel lines, the sail is kept in correct position, especially when reefed.

Simply lowering the halyard any distance reefs the sail. The more the halyard is lowered, the more panels are reefed. It acts like venetian blinds that are easily raised or lowered. As the panels are reefed, they and their battens lie in the cradle formed by the lazy jack system. The weight of the lowered battens prevents the sails from billowing out between the lazy jacks. The sails are automatically held in check no matter how many battens are lowered. This makes it unnecessary to tie reefing points or bundle the sail with sail ties.

As soon as the halyard is slackened, the sheets become loose, and the sail begins to spill wind. However, unlike other sails, it will not flog and damage itself if the sheet is loosened. The full-length battens make the rig much quieter without the loud banging associated with flogging sails. In light, downwind sailing, the battens also prevent the sails from collapsing periodically, thereby reducing sail wear and noise. A single sheet system controls the boom and all the other battens through a series of spans (sheetlets). This provides control over the entire leech of the sail, unlike a Bermuda rig where sheet control is only over the boom or clew of the sail. Therefore, the load on the tail end of the multi-part sheet is light and easily handled without a winch. The portion of the balanced-lug sail forward of the mast performs an important function, contributing to the safety and comfort of the crew. When wind and boat direction conspire to create an accidental gybe, the small portion of sail before the mast counters the wind’s effect on the remaining sail area and dampens the motion of the sail. This slows the otherwise violent tendency of the sail to flip to the other side of the boat. Both intentional and accidental gybing become much less hair-raising. The free-standing masts of a junk-rigged boat are typically designed to be somewhat flexible. They bend when winds get too strong, and spill the wind in the process. This bending reduces the heeling of the boat and acts as an automatic shock absorber in sudden gusts that would otherwise severely heel a conventional stayed-mast boat.

The Chinese junk-rigged boat is not for everyone. For most people, the Bermuda rig, with its conventional triangular sails, is more popular, either for the look or the windward performance. However, for those seeking a more effortless sailing experience with a unique traditional rig, the junk sail plan is an interesting alternative. n

Michael L. Frankel is a freelance writer who lives in Orange Park, Fla., when he isn’t voyaging aboard his 32-foot Chinese junk-rigged Sunbird, Sabra.

By Ocean Navigator