main boom length vs mast height

I just read a statement by Uffa Fox that the main boom length:mast height
ratio should be 1:3.

In that his opinion was that racing craft should indicate best cruising
design, I assume this assertion applied to yachts in general.

Does anyone know if this measurement for the mast height would be assumed
from deck level or total mast height ?

Thank you,

Courtney

I wouldn't pay a lot of attention to that. The high aspect mains were
popular some years ago when the handicap systems did not penalize an
overlapping jib/genny. Many boats are now built with bigger mains and
smaller (100 percent) jibs. Besides, most raceboats have crew (called
"deck apes" for a reason) to pull in that big jib.

To answer your question, I think that the number is the I measurement,
from deck to mast top.

Good Luck,

Tom
St. Paul, MN
of the Swee****er Sea

Courtney Thomas wrote:
I just read a statement by Uffa Fox that the main boom length:mast height
ratio should be 1:3.

In that his opinion was that racing craft should indicate best cruising
design, I assume this assertion applied to yachts in general.

Does anyone know if this measurement for the mast height would be assumed
from deck level or total mast height ?

Thank you,

Courtney

In article ,
Courtney Thomas wrote:

I just read a statement by Uffa Fox that the main boom length:mast height
ratio should be 1:3.

In that his opinion was that racing craft should indicate best cruising
design, I assume this assertion applied to yachts in general.

Does anyone know if this measurement for the mast height would be assumed
from deck level or total mast height ?

I'd take it as height of sail, personally.

Still, rules of thumb go in and out of style.

For what's currently in vogue, I'd look at recent go-fast boats built
under rules with few if any restrictions. Since they're faster than
their predecessors, I'd consider them the current state of the art.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/