Arne Kverneland wrote:

Could I suggest you open a new topic  -  something like "A new rig for Annie"? Both the Fantail  and the Annie project is big enough to deserve their own thread.

Arne

Moved to 'A new rig for Annie' as requested, kind regards

Andrew

Bryan, that is very instructive information, and most eloquently put!! And yes, we do put aesthetics quite high on the list. I agree with you totally about the look that Footprints has. She is a terrific looking boat and I think Annie would suit the sail plan as she does. As do Fantail, Weaverbird and quite a few others. It's a subtle thing, but an important one.

Because the sling point is where it is, presumably this is what allows you to sweep the sail across the mast when off the wind and I wonder if, with other sail plans that have the sling point closer to the throat, this is more strenuous on the rig or maybe just inadvisable? With potentially 56sqm of sail we'd need to be careful about that.

...... I've been interrupted and may have forgotten something that I wanted to write. meantime, thanks a lot!

Cheers, Pol.

POL BERGIUS wrote:

If mast position does become an issue with the fan-shaped sail, am I right in thinking that an "Arne type" planform would give me more latitude in mast positioning?

Fantail has a broad groove; she is the family pet settled comfortably by the fire with her eyes shut, not caring that the kids are pulling her ears... her helm stays cheerfully balanced on all points and can be left alone for perhaps a minute at time, she is totally insensitive to trim and would, I'm sure, tolerate a reasonable misplacement of the mast without grumbling. Any time Fantail loses that easy-going, I'm-in-my-happy-place feeling, it's time to reef.

I was lucky enough to get a few hours' sailing on Footprints, who is much more of a sailor's boat - she's the excitable puppy with the full bladder straining her leash. Footprints seemed much more responsive to sail set, and when bearing away, David would use a running tack parrel to draw the sail across the mast in order to relieve tiller pressure. Footprints' hull is very different to Fantail's, and would be much more sensitive to mast placement.

To my eyes, Footprints' sail puts her in the running for the most attractive boat I have seen. Her Fantail sail just looks right to me, and seems to compliment the plumb bow. Your boat is gorgeous, and perhaps aesthetics may play a role in your choice of rig?

David I havent received the drawing by email yet, even in my spam locker. But I recall your comment that the fantail form would suit a boat up to 28', and our Annie is 29'6" and possibly at 6 (or maybe 6.5) tons a bit heavier than you might have envisaged when you made that statement? But now you mention the Weaverbird's taller rig... I'm interested in  a higher A/R sail as I can see that should make it easier to handle. I also like any improvements to windward if they don't come at too high a cost in other directions. And the mast positioning is a little tricky with Annie with some bits possibly in the way, so I require the CE to be quite well forward. A higher A/R rig is consistent with that need - great. But, the mast will be timber, as timber masts are part of my business. Should I be a bit worried about a 12 or 13m lap?!

You are both dead right about being careful with fitting a rig that suits another boat so ideally. David if you don't think I'm pushing the LAP too much would you be able to copy me your expanded Weaverbird rig please? I'd very much like to see where that will put the mast position.

If mast position does become an issue with the fan-shaped sail, am I right in thinking that an "Arne type" planform would give me more latitude in mast positioning? Which sail is easier to make may well come into the equation too.

Thanks again, Pol.