My 12' homebuilt MiniCup sailboat has a large Lateen sail which is
very simple compared to sails on a boat like a Laser but it has some
odd characteristics. It does not sail as close to the wind as a Laser
rig but allows a huge sail area. Close hauled, I can have the lower
spar pulled in all the way while the upper part of the sail is forming
the foil that pulls the boat. The lower part of the sail is then very
flat providing little power. Does anybody know how to make the Lateen
perform better. Close hauled, I actually hold onto the boom and pull
it down and toward me in light air, almost like sailing a windsurfer
while seated.
Anybody here experience with a lateen rig?