That's it! I'm going to build a raised patio, complete with BBQ, palm trees and a hammock, overhanging the stern of my boat! Problem solved!! - So it sounds like if there is more mast windage aft than forward it isn't an issue. Shipping and unshipping a mast at anchor doesn't sound like much fun unless it was carbon fiber or a very small mast.

Ancoring with a mast at the bow

I haven’t got that much experience with anchoring with a sloop JR, but my first junk, the 7.1m/23' Malena, at least, tacked about badly when anchored from the bow, so I later anchored from the stern (protected water, no current). It is at such occasions I wish I had a yawl.

Still, I have (safely positioned in my armchair) wondered if one or two methods could be helpful when anchoring from the bow:

Offset anchoring
As this diagram shows, a second line is attached to the anchor rope (or chain). By cleating it from a point at the cockpit, one can adjust the offset angle just enough to prevent the boat from going about. Remember, the anchor chain and this second line form a bridle, which in effect extends the bow. The shown offset angle is probably (hopefully) wider than what is needed to tame the boat.

Bucket or drogue
Another armchair idea is to tie a big bucket or drogue to the anchor chain and let it sit just below the water surface. On small and light boats, this could possibly stop the boat from yawing about. 

I bet the Chinese, those who had the forward positioned centre-board, dropped it and raised the rudder to get the same weather-cock effect. Could it be that their tall sterns also were built to help weather-cocking when at anchor and when sitting hove-to?

Arne

 

My thoughts too Ben. Schooners and 1 masters have slightly raked masts at or near the bow. It probably has a lot to do with hull shape, displacement and type of keel. Shoestring is shoal draft, so the long keel might help it stay settled.

Back on the boat again, starting the metalwork, beginning with the mainmast tabernacle. When I get to the foremast, will arrange things so I can lower it as easily as possible, crowded, windy anchorages are unavoidable sometimes and a boat that's squirrelly on the anchor can be a very bad thing. The foremast is fairly big but not too heavy, should be able to manage raising and lowering it.

I've ruled out using the foremast for MOB, thanks for pointing out the fuzzy logic in that idea. Wandering off topic here, but anyone know of a good design for a sturdy davit that wouldn't interfere with my mainsheets, or anything else?

Hi Ben,

Yes, I if I keep my main mast in the same position, I would love to try the taller rig with mizzen and foresail. Ideally I'd make the smaller masts out of lighter material so they can be lifted out. I want to play around and see what works best.

Also thinking of shifting the main mast forward by a metre and using a tabernacle. If that is the case I'll probably have an off set mizzen sail. That's the beauty of Carbon Fibre. It is light enough to move without major upheaval, just so darn pricey!