fore triangle and bowsprit

[Guest]

A previous owner of my 1954 wooden fractional rig sloop added a bowsprit and moved 85 cms. forward the forestay, but did not change the size nor shape of the sails. I am considering removing the bowsorit and wonder what effect - if any - this change may have on my pointing or speed performance.
Another change made was the removal of the traditional long keel, replacing it with a fin keel.

 

[peterk]

hi Ces,
so - are you satisfied with how she sails now?
If not:
Why do you want to change?
Does the balance feel wrong?
Does she have lee helm, especially in light airs ?
Is she too tender? Anything else?

You could try to tack the forestay onto the stemhead,
(might take a little fiddling, since I guess it would be too long)
without removing the bowsprit
just to see what that feels like...
I think without the bowsprit The boat would be slower on most points

about the keel: run that one by a naval architect

have fun experimenting !

...peter, www.juprowa.com/kittel