Mark Hindley ) writes:
Hello,

I am trying to decide on a double ended lapstrake boat to build. I
need to find some more info on rigs -- particularly the diffreence in
terms of handling and sailing between gunter and
standing/dipping/balanced lug. Any help or pointers to useful sources
would be gratefully received.

generally speaking ....

a gunter is not much different from a high aspect ratio marconi sloop.
with the gunter you get a shorter mast but a more complex rig. you can add
a jib to the rig if you like.

my preference for small boats is a sprit rig because its simple and
requires no expensive hardware. its about 80% the efficiency of the
marconi sloop so should be about 20% larger. TF Jones who likes sprit
sails thinks a jib is unnecessary on small boats. a sprit has a shorter
mast which needn't be supported by shrouds. I've reefed a small (42 sq ft)
sprit on the boat but had to lower the sail into the boat to do it.

the various lug sails, not having the leading edge attached to the mast, are
not so good up wind. unless you are racing that probably doesn't matter.
the masts are shorter and don't have to bend like marconi racing masts.
they also don't need to be supported by shouds. Reefing is pretty straight
forward.

according the UK Dingy Crusing Association (which has a website) a heavy
boat with lots of freeboard is better for coastal and estuary sailing than a
light responsive planing hull meant for racing.

hope that helps.

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