Marc wrote:
Bergstrom & Ridder have been designing rigs since 1972. The patented
characteristics of a B&R rig are the diagonal diamonds, in lieu of
running back stays, and swept back spreaders with a small mast
section ..

I'd have guessed it was the other way around. I.e., the swept-back
spreaders compensate for the lack of runners, and that the characteristic
"diamond shrouds" keep the mast "in column" athwartships without the use of
conventional twin lowers.

That'd be my _first_ guess in any case.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.home.comcast.net/