Interesting rig ID?

[cameronke]

Whilst wandering through Port Edgar last night I came across an unusual rig and would be grateful if someone would help identify it for me and hopefully explain any advantages/disadvantages over the conventional Bermudan Sloop. Though at first appearance it had a main and head sail, the head sail has a "boom" fixed to the mast. There are no stays or shrouds and it would appear that the whole mast can revolve to present the whole sail system at any angle. This implies that the luff of the headsail need not be in line with the boat. Have I explained this sufficiently well?

Regards to all

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[vyv_cox]

Sounds like an Aerorig. There seemed to be a good deal of publicity about it a couple of years ago and YM did an article on comparing otherwise identical conventional and Aerorig boats on the water. As far as I remember the Aerorig came out faster. The rig seems to require less trimming and has lower stresses, I think. Quite handy off the wind as the sail area can be used to the full, especially running.

Ok if that's what you want, but much of my sailing pleasure comes from pulling the strings, flying downwind sails, trimming and optimising sail shape, so it's not something that I shall ever be interested in. A likely next venture for junk rig enthusiasts, though! ;~)

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[Skyva_2]

Sounds like an Aerorig.

http://members.aol.com/ksmontor/AeroRig.html

Unstayed mast, claims to be easy to tack, gybe, generally easy to handle and all round efficient. The suppliers have a very long list of its virtues and no downside.

Has never really caught on, I'm not quite sure why, it may be expense, prejudice etc, etc.

I suspect that downwind it may lose a lot in performance, as a spinnaker looks unlikely.

To make it light the spars are sometimes carbon fibre, which must cost.

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[Sybarite]

Whereas we were in complete agreement on the junk rig issue here I am afraid I must take exception with you.

Unfortunately somebody indicated that Aerorig has gone out of business and I cannot access their site anymore. However when I could they ran a comparison on (I think) two First 42.7s, one conventionnally rigged and the other with the Aerorig. Despite having about 20% less sail area, the Aerorig was faster on all points of sailing. There was also the well-known 62' Lazyjack (see below) which has just completed a circumnavigation. The owner was very pleased with the performance and the lack of hassle on downwind sailing.

If I had the means it would be my number one choice for a cruising rig.

John

http://www.gdnp.nl/sailingyachts/lazyjack.htm





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[vyv_cox]

Why the exception?

I think you have said the same as I did. Aerorig was faster in the trial that I read and requires less trimming. It's just not for me.

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[JerryHawkins]

Freewing Mast?

Sounds like a Freewing system, have a look at:

http://www.freewingmasts.co.uk/

There's a yact for sale in the PBO "buying a boat" section, reference number:
YW# 44586-1045815 (a Bruce Roberts 39)

Cheers,

Jerry

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