Submitted on April 29, 2005 by Jim Miller

Question: I do a lot of single-handed cruising on Lake Michigan, spending many nights at anchor. My boat, a Tartan 30, in certain conditions tends to "sail" on the hook. I am considering a riding sail. Any advice on size? Also I have heard of rigging it aft of the backstay. Comments?

Jim Miller

Answer: Hi Jim,

I have made a few riding sails for customers over the years but have never actually used one. In fact, I can only remember seeing one boat with a riding sail rigged in an anchorage. Based on that, I guess they don't work as well in practice as it seems like they would in theory. The riding sails that I have designed are very small, and very flat, with the minimal draft positioned in the aft end of the sail so that it will stall, acting only as drag. The sails hank onto the backstay and the "clew" is forward of the stay with a sheet going forward and to each rail.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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