The three-mast discussion brings up a question that's been in my mind for months now:  If you want to survive a big storm, is it better to have rotating wing masts or a circular mast section (either rotating or fixed)? 

  My guess is that the wing masts would be better if you're on board the boat in open water, and can ensure they feather into the wind properly in order to benefit from their lower drag.  And that circular masts might be better in a mooring field, particularly if you're not on the boat to make sure everything is feathering properly. 

  A big wing mast would be a nice compromise between a single skin sail and a wing sail, with an inexpensive sail that sailmakers know how to design and cut.  But I've got an innate fear of the boat wanting to sail while on the hook if it's got a schooner rig with wing masts.

  Any arguments for one mast section versus the other?

        - Mike