I think that cambered panels with stiff battens is the way to go, with the planform just being scaled down from a proven larger sail.

I'd say it's swings and roundabouts.  But Pugwash, all 8ft of her, managed with a 6 panel sail and certainly it was wonderful to be able to carry exactly the right amount of canvas.  The children may enjoy pulling the sail up and down, too!

Hi

well, the dinghy is coming on and I have got Allan Boswell to look at the rig design for me.

Now the boat is not a racer and it's not intended to be but rather away of getting my youngest grand children interested in boats rather than I pads and phones. with this in mind I have to make a decision as to 4 panels or 5, both look good.

Allans comments where there is a weight and cost saving with 4 and an increase in friction with 5

My thoughts are that with 5 I can have more flexibility in keeping the boat gentle while the kids are learning

I dare say if they like it they won't want it reefed but push it as hard as they can  until I shout about old things needing a bit of tlc a bit like myself

So I would like to ask you all for your input on this

Pete,

when I converted my 18’ Oslo dinghy to a JR (straight battens, baggy panels), I found the result to be a quick and much safer boat than it was with a Bermudan rig.

Here and here are two little photo write-ups from the conversions, in 2009 and 2011. They should give you an idea. Just remember to use a light, soft canvas to let those small panels bag out in light winds.

Cheers, Arne

PS, there is also a short, un-edited video clip on Youtube.

hi pete

forget about bendy battens, unless you plan a sail with almost no balance (<10%).
i would recommend the options 3, 4 or 5.

my favorite sails have stiff battens and cambered panels.

utnik