Staysail Schooners

[steelfan]

We continue our search for a steel yacht for my fiancee and I to go sailabout. Although a sloop or cutter are favourite rigs, there is a schooner for sale which looks attractive. Rumour says they do not go to windward at all well. Has anyone had experience of the rig that they can give us in relation to a mainly downwind circumnavigation (at least it is planned to be mainly downwind)?

Steelfan

Hello there

There is a terrific article written in the '30s by a guy called Uffa Fox, where he reviews staysail and wishbone schooners - then the next big thing.

For him the main issue was the downwind leg, as a lot of the sail area would back itself, or wouldn't be able to be poled out enough. Nowadays though a good cruising shute would see you right

To windward they are supposed to be good - better than a normal schooner and certainly better than gaff. Not quite as good as bermudan, but you have the advantage of smaller sails, so a more flexible arrangement and more easily managed short handed.... don't reef, just drop a sail!

Good luck with the steel yacht - given the finances I'd be doing the same.

b

steelfan,

There is some discussion of various rigs including schooners for ocean sailing at www.kastenmarine.com under the "Articles and other links" section which you might find interesting. The whole website might be interesting as you are looking for a steel boat and Kasten Marine is know for metal boats.

JohnW