Newbridge Virgo Voyager & Furling Main

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jrussill

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Hi all,

We had a look at a Newbridge Virgo Voyager today as a possible purchase. Nice boat, but she had a furling main. From what I've read, these are not the fastest boats around and I also understand that a furling main can result in some performance reduction too. What do we think? Is this going to make her stupidly slow?

Thanks!
 
Really unnecessary to have a furling main on such a small boat. Not just the potential loss in performance but the additional weight of what I assume is an add-on system. However the attraction of the boat is not its sailing ability but its accommodation so if you are just interested in pottering and it has a good engine then you would have the benefit of the easier handling of the mainsail.
 
jrussill said:
Hi all,

We had a look at a Newbridge Virgo Voyager today as a possible purchase. Nice boat, but she had a furling main. From what I've read, these are not the fastest boats around and I also understand that a furling main can result in some performance reduction too. What do we think? Is this going to make her stupidly slow?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You are not saying if it is a furling boom or furling mast. In both cases there are some compromises in the cut of the sail that results in some reduction of performance especially when close hauling - the angle you will be able to go in the wind may be noticeably reduced, but I don't think you should be really too concerned if you are not racing. If it is furling in the mast, it also totally eliminates the possibility of using batons, what reduces the performance even further. Some of the most simple furling booms also can't use wang and boom brake, with obvious consequences. So, something to consider, but again, in case of a cruising yacht sailed single-handed the ease of handling may win over all the above.
 
My first boat was a Virgo. Nice in many ways, but not the most closewinded of boats. The fin keel was far better than the bilge keel version. But it was very solid and for its size, very comfortable.

I took one to the Azores and back.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. We bought the boat and are so pleased with it! Not going to worry about the main for now - will just enjoy the convenience! Looking forward to the rest of spring an summer now!
 
Joker said:
My first boat was a Virgo. Nice in many ways, but not the most closewinded of boats. The fin keel was far better than the bilge keel version. But it was very solid and for its size, very comfortable.

I took one to the Azores and back.
Click to expand...

Wow! The Azores in a Virgo! I think I've heard about this trip. And I'm inspired. Thanks for replying.
 
Joker said:
My first boat was a Virgo. Nice in many ways, but not the most closewinded of boats. The fin keel was far better than the bilge keel version. But it was very solid and for its size, very comfortable.

I took one to the Azores and back.
Click to expand...
Sorry for replying to a thread that's 3 years old, but do you remember the year or name of the one you sailed to the Azores?

My dad got an 84' Virgo Voyager (Bilge keel) in 2019 and we were told that one of the previous owners sailed her to the Azores and im trying to find out a little about it :)
 
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