Standing lugsail

[ffiill]

Anyone have experience of these simple sails?
In particular to what extent do they need shaping to create a reasonable effect?
I ask this because to complement my sophisticated all mod cons ketch I am planning on putting together a simple stitch and glue day boat.
The aim is to keep it simple and light which is why I dont particularly want a balanced lug with boom.
In their simplest form these often use polytarp sails with a dart in them to create an aerodynamic shape which is clearly necessary as the ability of the sail to form a natural curve is restricted by the boom.
Will the standing lug without a boom create its own aerodynamic shape?
Any thoughts?

 

[Woodlouse]

You'd have to play with the tack and sheet angle but there's no reason it shouldn't work like any sail without a boom.

 

[tolhurstorganic]

Try Classic and Wooden boats forum should be some sail fiddlers there.

 

[Plum]

Anyone have experience of these simple sails?
In particular to what extent do they need shaping to create a reasonable effect?
I ask this because to complement my sophisticated all mod cons ketch I am planning on putting together a simple stitch and glue day boat.
The aim is to keep it simple and light which is why I dont particularly want a balanced lug with boom.
In their simplest form these often use polytarp sails with a dart in them to create an aerodynamic shape which is clearly necessary as the ability of the sail to form a natural curve is restricted by the boom.
Will the standing lug without a boom create its own aerodynamic shape?
Any thoughts?

I have a standing lug in my 11ft dinghy with a boom and I have tried boomless too. First,with no boom on a short boat it is near impossible to get the sheeting position far enough aft to get the right sail shape when close hauled without needing a bumpkin. Second, once off the wind on a reach or run the sail will tend to bag and you will loose significant sail area unless you pole it out. So, you may find that needing a bumpkin and a long pole will be more complicated than having a simple boom. As a result my standing lug sets very well so making the boat so much more enjoyable to sail.

Colin. Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[NUTMEG]

I have a standing lug on my 14' Lune Pilot. It is loose footed to a boom for all the reasons given above. The Lune Pilot also has a tiny jib on an even smaller bowsprit which really helps with tacking. Sails like a dream, no centreboard just a shallow long keel, surprising lack of leeway too.

The unstayed mast is brilliant too. On a run, just letting go of the main sheet means the whole sail can weathercock and spill wind, very reassuring for a numpty like me. There is a very informative website about these boats and the rig, just google The Lune Pilot.

 

[ianc1200]

This may be worth watching, whilst most of the entrants are balanced lugsails with a boom, there is one (black double ender, No. 20) which I think is a boomless standing lug, and in the brief shots of her is going very well.

(I'm the smacks boat with the black and white dog, at least we managed to finish this year)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9XShVfqsGs

12 minute version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1nuiXpAfjE

shiorter 6 mins version

 

[Marleyboneraindrop]

I have a standing lug in my 11ft dinghy with a boom and I have tried boomless too. First,with no boom on a short boat it is near impossible to get the sheeting position far enough aft to get the right sail shape when close hauled without needing a bumpkin. Second, once off the wind on a reach or run the sail will tend to bag and you will loose significant sail area unless you pole it out. So, you may find that needing a bumpkin and a long pole will be more complicated than having a simple boom. As a result my standing lug sets very well so making the boat so much more enjoyable to sail.

Colin. Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

I bow to your experience, however have you watched Roger Barnes and his innumerable videos? His boat is 4ft longer than yours, but he sails everywhere!
A boom is very useful, as long as one keeps ducking.
And what of the fisherman who had to go out every day, did they want a boom ?
I wouldn't want a clout pulling in the nets....

 

[Plum]

I bow to your experience, however have you watched Roger Barnes and his innumerable videos? His boat is 4ft longer than yours, but he sails everywhere!
A boom is very useful, as long as one keeps ducking.
And what of the fisherman who had to go out every day, did they want a boom ?
I wouldn't want a clout pulling in the nets....

Yes, am certainly aware of Roger and I agree with you about the disadvantages of a boom but if you can't get a good sail shape you will soon get frustrated and will not enjoy the sailing. My little lugsail dinghy sails well, on all points and will even sit comfortably roughly head to wind gently tacking side to side with no input from me. I cannot get anywhere close to a good sheeting angle without a boom.

 

[Sea Change]

I converted my 11ft sailing tender to a boomless standing lug and it's worked very well. The sheeting point is well aft and when on the wind I seem to get a decent sail shape. Off the wind I can lose a bit of area but if I remember, I bring a boathook and can use that to pole out.
The other day, just for a laugh, I tried rigging it as a square sail. Lashed a bit of line half way along the yard and clipped the halyard on. Ran a sheet to the clew and another to the tack.
It's far from square in shape but it worked pretty well- over a very narrow wind angle. If I ever find myself having to do a long run dead downwind I might use it