Umm... you haven't done much sailing on brigantines have you. I've run
two diffferent tallships (a schooner and a brig) and own my own 40
footer. I would agree with that statement for small boats but not for
the hundred foot plus traditional rigs. Generally I (and the officiers
I've sailed under) are more interested in reducing windage (of which
those boats have A LOT of) and increasing visibility.