Submitted
on September 26, 2001 by Brian Lough
Question: I'm in
the process of purchasing a 33' Cheoy Lee cutter-rigged clipper ketch.
I'm an intermediate recreational sailer searching for information regarding
the types of sails recommended for cutter-rigged ketches -- for instance,
why might one fly a single 145% genoa rather than the Yankee/Staysail
combination? -- trimming techniques, more advanced configurations, such
as a "mizzen spinnaker", performance configuration recommendations. My
impression from internet and library searches is this type of information
concentrates on racing sloops. We sailors with little or no desire to
race seem to be left out in the cold, despite the fact that we still desire
to get from point-to-point as efficiently as possible.
No doubt you're as busy as the rest of us, but any information or pointers
you might be able to shoot my way would be greatly appreciated. Best regards,
Brian Lough
Answer:
Hi Brian, Because your questions cover
a fairly broad range of topics, you might be best to start with Steve
and Linda Dashews "Cruising Encyclopedia". The sail section of that book
is very good and it addresses ketch and cutter rig sail plans better than
any of the other books I have seen.
You can order the "Cruising Encyclopedia" at www.setsail.com.
I think it costs about $70 but you will get plenty of use out of it when
setting up your new boat. If you don't find the answers you are looking
for there, feel free to write back to me. Regards, Dan Neri
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