Gaff Rigs Making a Comeback?

[Foswick]

Well, probably not, but it is interesting that we are starting to see new boats with a short-gaff rig (as an important contrast to a classic gaff rig). Just to state facts, up front, the only thing sexier than a ketch is a gaff ketch. OK, maybe a gaff schooner or a brig, but without a third mast, this is as sexy as it gets. And, OK, junk rigs are exceptionally cool (and surprisingly common around here), but maybe slightly less sexy.

I was just reading this article which speaks favorably of the short-gaff: Defining The Ideal Sailing Rig. I generally like the practical "everything depends on everything" approach to his articles, rather than evangelizing for a one-size-fits-all position.

Curious if others are noticing an uptick in interest in the gaff rig. Anyone sail a short-gaff?

 

[PaulK]

Square-tops are definitely a thing.

 

[colemj]

What are you defining as a "short gaff" rig? Is it like the picture PaulK posted? If so, that is a square top sail, and they are very popular right now. Pretty much standard on catamarans, and no racing boat will be caught without one.

Otherwise, sail plan and type is determine by the boat design. A gaff rig on our boat would be useless, as would one on the boat in the picture above. Useless on a Beneteau or other more modern hull form. Probably good on a heavy full-keeled boat that needs a large lower aspect sail to get power while keeping balance, and having easy reef options.

Mark

 

[Foswick]

What are you defining as a "short gaff" rig? Is it like the picture PaulK posted? If so, that is a square top sail, and they are very popular right now.

No, I'm talking about an actual gaff rig. I believe the top of a square top sail is just held square with a batten.

There isn't a really clear definition of "short-gaff", but generally I am talking about a gaff rig, but typically with a shorter gaff than a classic rig. But, the key distinction, to my mind is the simpler control. The short-gaff requires a throat halyard and peak halyard, whereas the short-gaff only requires one halyard and the gaff bridle is fixed. Another weak distinction is that short-gaffs aren't usually sailed with a topsail. But, that isn't a great distinction because a) you could install a topsail, I suppose and b) traditional gaff rigs are often sailed without the topsail.

To me, the interesting aspect is the fact that you get many of the benefits (and drawbacks) of a tradional gaff rig, but with the simplicity of a Marconi rig.

I've never sailed a gaff rig, but there's quite a bit to like about them. I would probably never own a traditional gaff, just because it seems to add more lines to fuss with that I will almost certainly never bother trying to do optimally. So, I may as a well use a Bermuda sail. I think I would have to spend more time going in a straight line to be worth it, for me, than I typically do.

However, if the sail(s) could be managed with about the same effort as a Bermuda sail, then it starts to look more interesting.

I wish I could find a picture, since this is fairly uncommon and I think a lot of people won't have seen this. But, I can't seem to find any pictures. I think it must go by some name that I don't know. I've just heard it called "short-gaff" or "modern gaff". Again, I think the distinguishing characteristic is the single halyard. Also, I don't think this is being done in production boats. I have seen three, in the past year, and they have all been custom. But, prior to this year, I don't know that I've ever seen one.

So, that's why I asked if folks were seeing these popping up.

 

[shemandr]

I am short on time and didn't read the whole post #4. But, why would someone want to haul a log up the mast (The gaff boom) when a batten or carbon fiber pole would do?

 

[jssailem]

When you suggest a small Gaff rig, are you thinking Cat Boat design?

 

[jssailem]

2016 Jerry Montgomery redesigned his Sage 15 to a Marconi rig Cat boat.

SAGE CAT 15 - sailboatdata

Rudder depth – 3.5′

sailboatdata.com

They were being built in Colorado by Sage Marine.

 

[Foswick]

This is the best picture (drawing) I could find because you can actually see the halyard and fixed bridle.

It is for this boat:

While there are some similarities to a square-top sail, they are functionally quite a bit different. For me, aside from looking extra-salty, a key advantage is overall less stress on the rigging. On the other side of Vancouver Island from where I usually sail, conditions can get pretty ... interesting. I generally prefer short, less-stressed rigs. Sure, there are disadvantages, as with any rig, but it an interesting variation on the classic gaff rig that makes it a practical choice.

Compare this to a traditional gaff rig that has a throat halyard, peak halyard and on some boats like the Galway hookers, I believe a third balance line. Granted, the additional control over sail shape was probably more important on older working boats than it is for most boaters today, in particular with modern materials.

 

[capta]

As much as I love a gaff schooner under sail, not much can beat a topsail schooner on a broad reach in a stiff breeze.

 

[Will Gilmore]

The Wharram Wingsail Rig – James Wharram Designs

I just saw a Wharram design at the Krabi Boat Lagoon Yacht Club, in Thailand. I didn't see her under sail, though. The owners were quite proud of her. Very pretty boat.

I like the simplicity of the boom-less design.

-Chill Will