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Old 01-09-2008
haffiman37 haffiman37 is offline
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In my opinion rigging type has most to do with use and sailing condition.
For coastal cruising, club racing a would probably prefer a fractional rig with bigger possibilities of mast/sail trimming and less foresail. On the other hand going 'trade wind cruising' as I did, the advantage of the bigger fore sail may not be eliminated. Quite often I reduced the main and kept the genoa fully out for a better balance and more stable boat. One disadvantage is that mast heads often have the spreaders rather back swept and care has to be taken to avoid chafing of the main. If equipped with in mast furling of the main another problem might occur with a fractional rig and the furling system. Don't forget to loosen the backstay when rolling in!
It is a lot of pro's and con's, no single answer.
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