Walt wrote:

Heavy spar that needs to be hoisted - this implies more complicated
rigging for the halyard(s) instead of the simple no-mechanical-advantage
systems on a marconi rig.

What, no winches on your Marconi rig???

Lady Kate: 16' by 3"to 4" (shaped) gaff main. No winch needed. Simple
block setup. All running rigging visible and easily fixable. Good
exercise. [If incapable of much physical effort due to
age/infirmity/sedentary lifestyle, or just lonely, you could add a
winch.] Downside is lots of line: you do need to learn ropehandling, no
longer a common skill.

Flying Tadpole
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