Fractional Rig

[overbored]

What are some of the reasons that a designer would use a fractional rig? what are the advantages or disadvantages?

[Faster]

This has been discussed before... check here.

Masthead versus Fractional

In a nutshell mainsail shape is more easily controlled with a fractional rig... it's easier to 'shift gears' without sailchanges. For a given size a fractional rig provides lighter, smaller headsails (jibs and spinnakers) making handling essentially easier, with lighter loads..d

But there's more... check the thread..