|
Thanks Bob, the additional quotes give me a sense of where Hahne is coming from. Which isn't to say that I aree with him. I think his quote predate advances in rig design and the typical increased complexity of a modern masthead rig somwhat antiquate that poistion.
I would agree that designing a modern fractional rig is a bit more complex but the result of a good design is a fractional rig that is easier to tune and sail than masthead, which is why these days the majority of modern designs have fractional rigs. For that matter, historically the majority of rigs were fractional rigs before the racing rules of the late 1950's changed that.
There are couple things that have happened since the late 1990's that have also somewhat reduced the complexity of designing a fractional rig relative to a masthead rig. Since that time almost all manufacturers of modern boats have gone to multiple spreader rigs and tapered rigs whether a frac of masthead. Computer aided design programs for spar design and for sail shaping have become better and become the norm. Sailmakers have learned how to design sails for the higher headstay sag and mast bend typical of a fractional rig.
These days most leading edge raceboats and high quality coastal cruisers. as well as many offshore cruisers have fractional rigs, and few of these have running backstays. And with better computer designed sails, little if any performance is sacrificed on these running backstay less fractional riggers.
Respectfully,
Jeff
|