This is probably a dumb question, but what is the problem with a "gaff" easyrig? By this I mean an easy rig with a boom at both the top and bottom of the mast, so that both the jib and main are rectangular in shape, instead of triangular? Everything I read indicates that a triangular sail is inefficient, and that more sail area higher up is better. I have seen solid wing sails in this configuration.

I know weight aloft is a bad thing on a monohull, because it intensives the pendulum effect m the inevitable heeling, but on a multihull, which should never lift a hull (cruising, not racing proa) it doesn't seem like it will matter until you are in alot of trouble anyway. Plus, having a rectangular sail should lower the center of effort considerably, to keep you out of trouble.

Anyway, basic explanations of why I am wrong would be appreciated <grin>

- Gardner Pomper

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