Okay, I’ll admit up front that I am a bit biased. In spite of now owning the 50’ sloop VELA, I can’t help myself. I have to make the case for the wonderfully aesthetic and versatile scooner rig.
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Giorgio Mussi says:
I built a schooner with the construction plans of Phil Bolger, “light schooner”, it behaves exactly like everything written in the article, I am very satisfied. G.M.
Giorgio Mussi says:
Anche io ho costruito light schooner of phil bolger, sono d’accordo con tutto. Giorgio, Pavia Italy
Mike Wolter says:
In designing a boat myself that is based off of the Herreshoff ‘Fishers Island’ 31 with the particulars modified to achieve a higher cabin space while further streamlining the hull. This being an 52′ overall length, 12′ beam, 40′ waterline and a draught of 8′ with an overall displacement at around 30,000 lb. For a boat that size in considering the appropriate amount of sail area for the vessel, a total of 1,070 square feet, one has to consider how much of a pain to raise the sails or the stresses on the hull especially if you are a solo sailor. The schooner rig is by far more practical in that aspect as the total sail area can be further divided among more sails. This makes for a boat that is easier to manage and is less stressful on the boat herself.
Rick Pratt says:
Mr. Hawkins,
I have never sailed a schooner, but your words give me confidence. I am building a 67′ sparred length, 40′ LOD Gulf Coast Scow Schooner as per Chapelle.
I look forward to learning how to live with and love a gaff schooner.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Regards
Adios
Rick Pratt
Director, Farley Boat Works
Port Aransas, Texas
Steven Toby says:
I cruised for a week on one of the Alden schooners when in my teens. Agree with everything in this article, plus, the schooner I was on was 56 feet long and had no winches. Not even one. That’s another advantage. We had a crew of 3 men, one adult woman, and a boy (me.) The only time we missed winches was when weighing anchor — a boat that size and weight could have been helped by at least a hand windlass.
Mike Wolter says:
What were the Alden schooners like to be on?
Peter Gossell says:
Too right !
Wil Hewett says:
Case well made!
Paige McIntire says:
Couldn’t agree more!