Capt. Neal® writes:


Depends on the gooseneck fitting. Mine is a sliding gooseneck that
can be raised or lowered at will. Oftentimes the gooseneck will
fit an internal track in the mast and although it may have been
riveted on to begin with it is a simple matter to drill out the rivets
and change the location while adding new rivets. This would leave
holes in the mast to show that it was done, however.

More likely is a mainsail cut to lower the boom on the aft end
by increasing the length of the leech on the mainsail. This would
result in the aft end of the boom being lower than the forward
end. The original sail held the boom horizontal, I'm sure.

Good points, all. I actually do think that my boom 'droops' quite a
bit so your theory of the too-long-leech has a lot for it. The sail is
definitively not original (the boat will be feting its 30th birthday
soon...).

I heard a different story about Tavernier. At one time it was
a busy port for exporting pineapples, hardwood, and vegetables.
There were several taverns available for the workers. Word got
out that there was always a tavern near the port . Then the Frenchies
came along and changed the spelling. Your explanation sounds
more plausible.


Yes, I think so. Good story, though.

--Ernst