By coincidence, I just finished re-reading the Yachting Monthly article on
"The Fastest Rig" (July 1984). According to their tests using identical
hulls and rigs with identical sail area, the sprit rig was the fastest on
all points of sail. To windward, it was 30% faster than the
Bermudian/Marconi. Only the lateen was poorer than the Bermuda rig which
survives (dominates) because of the racing rules. (And the lateen was as
good in light airs.)

I'd suggest you give the rig shown for the Newfound Wherry a chance before
deciding it won't go to windward.

Roger

http://home.insightbb.com/~derbyrm
wrote in message
oups.com...
I am looking to build a cedar strip boat to use around home in Portland
Oregon and to tow around as a tender when Sailing in the San Juan's.
I like the looks of the Newfound Wherry with its ability to sail and
row. http://www.newfound.com/wherry.htm It just doesn't look too much
fun to sail into the wind. Does anyone know of a similar design that is
sloop rigged and about the same size? Is it possible to change the sail
design to a Marconi rig on this one? Or am I just asking too much from
a small boat?