"Steve Lusardi" wrote in message
...
In a 40 ft boat, you're talking about small sails in any configuration.
Any multi-mast configuration will not point well because the mizzen is
masked by the main. Off the wind, no problem, but close to the wind is
where the sloop has the hands down advantage. There is only so much
righting moment and if you share that across multiple masts and one mast
is effectively disabled by the main, serious sail area and close haul
drive is sacrificed. Additionally, 2 masts require more sails. Sails need
sail bags and sail bags need storage space. With a 40' boat, storage space
is at a premium for liveaboard use. That size is great for a vacation, but
as a permanent home, many creature comforts will have to be sacrificed and
your dream soon gets old.

You are in the dream stage now where all you can see is the bow wave in
crystal clear waters. You have no idea how much **** you end up carrying
and the frustration that sets in when you can't carry more. Add to that,
the misery of carrying your dirty laundry through the rain to the nearest
Laundromat and this idealistic scenario you now envisage goes to hell in a
hand basket. You will need a bigger boat if your dream is to survive and
they don't come cheap.
Steve


Interesting perspective. I tend to agree with the space limitations,
although it really depends on the 40-footer. Many people sail a ketch with
missen and jib, and they don't even bother with the main. The sail size on a
sloop, at least for the main, is usually larger than a ketch of similar
size, but not grossly different, again, depending on the boat. You do have
more sail options, perhaps more easily attained with a ketch/yawl. There's
more weight in the wrong place and you can't sail up wind as well. Those
instances should be kept to a minimum anyway to enhance crew rest.


--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com