Jib-Headed Sprit Sail works well on Gypsy
I built a Gypsy more than 15 years ago and, after the first year, converted
to a jib-headed boomless sprit sail rig. I've been enjoying it immensely
ever since. The sprit sail is about 65-70 sq. feet. I don't remember the
square footage of the jib, but it's relatively small. I based the sprit
design on alternative sprit sail rig that Bolger published for Cartopper. It
rides low and has a big window in it. I added the jib because I like jibs.
It really adds a lot to the sprit sail's windward ability. The sprit rig
provides enough counter tension to keep the jib from sagging off very much.
The sheet goes around a cleat mounted on the gunwale near the stern of the
boat. The stronger the wind, the more the jib is tensioned. When you tack,
you shift the sheet to the cleat on the other side.
Adding the jib did throw the balance off a bit. In very light conditions,
the helm is neutral with an occaisional very mild lee helm. As the wind
picks up, you go back to weather helm. I always tie a safety line around my
leg, though, because if I ever fell out, I'd never catch up with the boat.
In addition to greatly increasing the sail area and speed, the sprit rig is
much shorter and stows neatly in the boat for rowing. It's a very powerful
rig and gets up on plane whenever there is a good breeze.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
to a jib-headed boomless sprit sail rig. I've been enjoying it immensely
ever since. The sprit sail is about 65-70 sq. feet. I don't remember the
square footage of the jib, but it's relatively small. I based the sprit
design on alternative sprit sail rig that Bolger published for Cartopper. It
rides low and has a big window in it. I added the jib because I like jibs.
It really adds a lot to the sprit sail's windward ability. The sprit rig
provides enough counter tension to keep the jib from sagging off very much.
The sheet goes around a cleat mounted on the gunwale near the stern of the
boat. The stronger the wind, the more the jib is tensioned. When you tack,
you shift the sheet to the cleat on the other side.
Adding the jib did throw the balance off a bit. In very light conditions,
the helm is neutral with an occaisional very mild lee helm. As the wind
picks up, you go back to weather helm. I always tie a safety line around my
leg, though, because if I ever fell out, I'd never catch up with the boat.
In addition to greatly increasing the sail area and speed, the sprit rig is
much shorter and stows neatly in the boat for rowing. It's a very powerful
rig and gets up on plane whenever there is a good breeze.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]