This has been an interesting thread and there would seem to be lessons to be learnt from it.
It is noticeable that the rigs that the writers are happy with are the simple, solid and reliable ‘traditional’ western junk rigs as defined by Hasler and Mcleod, and with some similarity to the Derek van Loan design. There doesn’t seem to be the same following for the more complicated rigs of the ‘90s, with their multiple running lines and adjustments. The hinge battens do not seem to be recommended, particularly the commercial ones which have a habit of breaking.
Given the many advantages of the junk rig the weakness to windward of the flat sails seems to be acceptable, but this is where I would like to play “devil’s advocate”.
If we take a standard rig as described in Practical Junk Rig and simply change the panels from flat to cambered we should end up with the same reliable structure and ease of handling. We should also end up with a better lift/ drag ratio and with the total force vector angled further forward. This would give a few options as follows.
If sailing to windward and sailing at the speed of the flat sail there should be less heel.
If sailing to windward with the same heel as the flat sail the speed should be higher.
There would be the option to press to windward at about the same speed as Bermudan rigged boats but with a self tacking, smoother ‘shock absorbed’ ride and less spray if necessary to make a tidal gate such as rounding a headland before the tide turns, or darkness falls or crossing the harbour bar before the tide falls too much and even getting to the other harbour bar before last orders are called. The same applies to the lee shore situation.
The camber does not only affect windward performance. There is more forward directed drive and speed on all points of sail up to the dead run when the sail is fully stalled.
Possibly the most significant point would be the affect in light winds. Generally when sailing the winds are not ideal and where the junk rigs copes with strong winds with the easy reefing, it is the light winds that can be tedious. With the better forward drive the cambered sail can easily give up to a knot extra speed which although it does not sound much can be a 20% improvement. For the voyager that can be a significant improvement to the daily run and well worth having. Please remember this is referring all points of sail.
Although most new cars are offered with a cheap small engine model to encourage interest, most drivers will buy a bigger engine/ performance model simply as there is little pleasure in being left in the slow lane. Similarly with the junk rig. It may be unsporting but it is fun to catch up with a close hauled boat, sail a 360° round her and then disappear tracking 20°s higher. It is very encouraging to get into harbour and have crews from Bermudan boats that follow you in go out of their way to complement you on outperforming them.
The beauty of the cambered sail is that you have the choice to sail as a flat rig or faster, and all with the same ease of handling, reliability and durability.
I can almost hear the comments such as ‘but they are more complicated to make and set up.’ This is not necessarily the case and is a bit of a myth which I believe has been put out by the sail makers to justify their prices or lack of understanding of how to make the rigs. For the home sail maker without a large lofting floor making a junk sail panel by panel there is hardly any difference, just a little in the detail. I plan to write more on this latter point in the not to distant future, but in the meantime please accept that this is the case.
I will not ask for comments on what I have just written as I feel they will come thick and fast. Good. I feel we have to get away from some of the light weight flimsy rigs and get back to basic. And please remember I did say that I was being “devil’s advocate”.
Cheers
Slieve