Ming Ming's mast

[Gitane]

Possibly a bit off topic, but this thread is about S/V Ming Ming and Ming Ming is mostly an east coast vessel.

I am considering converting my Vivacity 650 to a Junk Rig.

The reason being, that I am an incredibly lazy, and usually single handed, sailor and from all accounts a Junk Rig, with its low stress features and effortless tacking, gybing and reefing, seems to be just the ticket.

As I understand it, a Junk Rigged vessel has a free standing mast which relies solely on its own strength to stay in one piece and where it should be. Consequently, the mast has to be thicker than a stayed mast for a similar sized boat.

However, after many hours searching Google, and many engineering calculations later, I am still not certain about how thick a free standing mast for a Junk Rig for my sized vessel should be.

Having read Roger Taylor's excellent books on his sailing voyages, it occurs to me that his Junk Rigged boat, Ming Ming, has a similar size and displacement to my V650. Roger Taylor has successfully completed many long distance, blue ocean, high latitude sailing adventures, and if his boat's mast is good enough for Ming Ming, then it should be good enough for my V650.

Would anyone know how I could contact Mr. Taylor to ask him about Ming Ming's mast dimensions. If you happen to know of an e-mail address I can contact him on, then would it be possible to PM this to me.

Many thanks
Ron (Gitane)

 

[FullCircle]

Pop over to Bridgemarsh and have a gander at Fei Fan II, a Kingfisher 20 which is junk rigged. It is out of the water in front of the office barge.
Take a few photos, and there you have it.

 

[LittleSister]

As you've probably realised, the mast also needs to be keel stepped, and for the coachroof to be strong enough not just to hold the mast vertical, but to take the considerable sideways loads under sail. Potentially quite a lot of work for a self-confessed 'lazy sailor'!

Also need to think about how well the internal layout of your boat would accommodate a mast in the middle of it. Note also the position of the mast may need to be further forward for junk rig than the standard mast position.

 

[nigelm]

Why not just sell the 650 and buy something already with a junk
Rig , ie a Newbridge Coromandel , must be the laziest way forward surely

 

[tillergirl]

PM sent

 

[Tommyrot]

As a very lazy sailor and Coromandel owner, I'd say it's the way to go.

Just don't get one with the stainless tabernacle for dropping the mast.
The original internally hinged one is great. I'd prefer a one-piece mast to the line-fouling tabernacle......

 

[Independence]

Have a look at the YBW Jester Forum page, there are some interesting observations on junk rigs. You could also join the Yahoo Jester forum which I'm sure Roger also keeps an eye on from time to time.