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Search engines seem to track our entire lives. Some also trawl the web for images. Here are some that Google found on 11th March 2013. Click the mosaic for today's update - there are lots to explore.

     

Formed in 1979 at the Southampton Boat Show by a group of junk rig enthusiasts, the JRA (Junk Rig Association) is for its members and about their boats and their rigs. We aim to: promote the use of the junk rig by encouraging members to organise 'rallies' and 'junkets' (see About Us) and via our tri-annual Magazine and this site; encourage the development of junk and related rigs, the building or conversion of boats to the junk rig, and the use of vessels with the rig or its derivatives; create an international community of people who've already 'junked' their boat, are thinking of doing so, or are just interested in learning what it's all about.  

Summing that up, our main job is to get the rig talked about. Former Chairman David Tyler certainly helped there: the Ocean Cruising Club recently awarded him their Rose Medal "for the most meritorious short-handed ...and exceptional voyage on board Tystie [from the UK to New Zealand]. You will  have inspired many others, some of whom may well adopt a junk rig." David's follow-up voyage to and around Alaska was tracked here. Tystie and David are now in Canada.

We were formed in the UK, and although our 'office' address and banking remains in the UK we are run by an increasingly international Committee via the Internet. A number of posts become vacant every year, at the AGM, so if you choose to join you could also put your name forward to help run the 'club'. It doesn't run itself. Our membership is now more than   50% outside the UK. Click the chart for detail.

Lady Arwen - owners Meera & Mark Hibdon

Lady Arwen is a 1963 Rawson 30. She was being used as a houseboat when we found her and required a complete refit and, of course, a modification to junk rig. She is based in Los Angeles Harbor, and used for mostly day sails and occasional visits to Santa Catalina Island.

We owned a Rawson 30 back in the '80s and knew from that experience, that they are rugged, capable, and comfortable sailors. The idea of changing to a JR was planted during the time we own our first Rawson, and it seemed like a good one. We placed an order for a design with Sunbird Yacht Services, but we found the task of actually building the rig beyond us at the time, and began to have doubts that the rig would function properly. So we shelved the idea, put away the plans, and eventually sold our first Rawson 30. Good ideas don’t die easily however. Now in our 60s and looking to retire from the 8 to 5 routine, we decided to pull those junk rig plans down off the shelf and have another go at it. Lady Arwen is the result of that decision.

Once the rig was installed and tested, we knew that idea of many years ago was indeed a good one. The 550 square foot sail is so beautiful against the sky and the way it keeps her moving, even when there is not enough air to even ripple the water, is simply magic. She tacks more eagerly than did our first Rawson, putting to rest the fear that the JR would be difficult. Her flat-cut sail may not have as much power to windward as a camber-cut sail, but honestly, who cares? She does fine, and by the way, has on occasion bested Marconi rigged boats bigger than she. Currently, we are busy adding gear and making small modifications to get her ready to expand her adventures. She is also sporting a new paint scheme which is, sadly, not shown in the photographs.

Our Boat of the Month Archive is here.