What is a Jigger

[rgranger]

Hey All

I need some schooling. I just read a fantastic book called Loki and Loon and in the book the often speak about their various sail configurations. And often they state.... "under jib and jigger"

What is a jigger sail?

I did a search for jigger sail and all I could find was that a jigger mast is the fourth tallest mast on a multi mast schooner.

In Loki and Loon they had a Ketch so would it be correct to assume a jigger is the mizzen?

r

 

[Stu Jackson]

yup, jib and mizzen it is.

 

[zeehag]

jigger=mizzensail.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

'Jigger' is a word used mainly by people who do NOT sail ketches or yawls for the mizzen. Apparently 'sailing under jib and jigger' is a common term in the kind of books that would use the term 'old salt'. I suspect the word 'jigger' comes from the mizzen's ability, in such conditions, to 'jig' the boat left or right, assisting the rudder. You would assume that without the main the sailor might be alone or shorthanded and in just entering or leaving a harbor might want all the steering assistance he can get. But it does bring to light the misconception about the mizzenmast... because, especially on a yawl, the mizzen sail set in conjunction with a small jib makes one of the best storm rigs you can have-- and yet so many people furl the mizzen first or don't even set it. It's there for a reason. Given a small self-tending jib and a stoutly-stayed mizzen, 'jib and jigger' is a very sensible and easy-to-handle rig... especially on older boats with a HUGE traditional CCA-style mainsail (which on boats of that vintage is understandably the first thing you douse in a blow).

 

[Sailm8]

Good info. I thought it was just a good start making a drink. (wink wink nudge nudge)

 

[rgranger]

'Jigger' is a word used mainly by people who do NOT sail ketches or yawls for the mizzen. Apparently 'sailing under jib and jigger' is a common term in the kind of books that would use the term 'old salt'. I suspect the word 'jigger' comes from the mizzen's ability, in such conditions, to 'jig' the boat left or right, assisting the rudder. You would assume that without the main the sailor might be alone or shorthanded and in just entering or leaving a harbor might want all the steering assistance he can get. But it does bring to light the misconception about the mizzenmast... because, especially on a yawl, the mizzen sail set in conjunction with a small jib makes one of the best storm rigs you can have-- and yet so many people furl the mizzen first or don't even set it. It's there for a reason. Given a small self-tending jib and a stoutly-stayed mizzen, 'jib and jigger' is a very sensible and easy-to-handle rig... especially on older boats with a HUGE traditional CCA-style mainsail (which on boats of that vintage is understandably the first thing you douse in a blow).

Thanks All

Diana: All that you said fits. In the book they usually refer to "jib and jigger" as they are coming in and out of an anchorage or when the winds pipes up.

As usual, you all are great!