Personally, I wouldn't say that the lee helm with one rudder is
a mark against the easyrig. If you put an una rig on a proa that has a
tendency to luff into the wind, the additional weather helm would make it luff
more. Neither rig is perfect.
In the end, it's a matter of
preference.
The una rig will have a higher aspect ratio
and taller mast than an easyrig with the same sail area. However, it
will also have higher sheet loads, and jibes will take some skill. You
also get the option of sailing with a single foil, at least on the smaller
proas. If you want to race, don't mind the higher sheet loads, and
prefer to have the mast waaay up there (more sail where it counts when there's
no wind), it's perfect.
If you want to cruise, there's a lot to
be said for the lower sheet loads and graceful jibes of a semi-balanced
rig. You'll also have a lower bare pole if the wind really starts to
howl and you can't get out of the way, and the center of effort will also be
lower. As for the jib tension, it's not perfect, but that's not the end
of the world. Cut the jib for the right shape with a certain amount of
sag in the stay and it will still be efficient.
If you want to
both cruise and race, it's a toss-up. That tall una will be faster, but
require more effort. How lazy are you? I'm personally pretty lazy
75% of the time that I'm sailing, so that colors my rig
preferences.
-
Mike