Tall rig vs standard

[BobS8970]

On Catalina 30's - the rigging comes in tall or standard. Is there any advantage or disadvantage that the tall rig has over a standard boat? Is the tall rig better with a full keel because of the amount of sail up?Still looking at boats - thanks for your responses.

 

[Allen]

My take...

Bob,I have a standard rig up here in Boston and sometimes I wish I had the tall rig for two reasons:1. The tall rig is better in light air. We get a lot of it in Cape Cod Bay, especially in July & August. The tall rig would mean less motoring for me.2. The bowsprit & anchor roller. I don't have one & wish I did. It's just easier to store the anchor on one and it makes the boat look good.The only downside to the tall rig that people talk about is that it's a little more "tender" than a standard rig. In other words, it'll heel a little quicker than a standard rig. In my mind, that's not a big deal. I hope this helps!Allen Schweitzers/v FalstaffC-30 Hull# 632

 

[Calif. Ted]

Theory behind tall rig as I understand it

is that friction between wind & water surface slows the wind for a distance of ~50 ft above water. This differential decreases as you go up, my 270 has mast height ~37 ft. above waterline so it doesn't take too much extra height to get a pretty good increase.This is especially beneficial in light airs as others have pointed out, which is a area most Cat. owners will admit they would like to improve. Many people seek out the tall rigs for this reason.

 

[Bill]

Experience with C30 Tall Rig

Bob - I agree with Allen and Ted. I've sailed my C30 with a tall rig/shoal draft keel for 9 years, and wouldn't have it any other way. The taller rig adds sail area (thus power) to both the main and the 155% genoa. The bow sprit allows you to tack an asymmetric spinnaker nicely out in front of the boat. I have never felt the boat was too tender, and regularly outsail 30s with standard rigs. I also think it looks nicer (but beauty's in the eye of the owner, I guess). Let me know if you want to buy a 30 - I may want to sell.Bill R.Ithaca, NY"Little Wing" C-30 #3141wrussell@icsd.k12.ny.us

 

[Dave]

Depends on where you sail

In San Francisco bay, typical summer winds are between 20-30 knots and a tall rig is routinely overpowered and needs to reef down. Interestingly, when looking to buy my Catalina 30 in the Bay Area there were no tall rigs. So, your decision depwnds on where you plan to do most of your sailing and the prevailing winds. Here in SF, a tall rig is not necessary. But maybe it is an advantage in RI.