Changing from bermudan to standing lug

[SaintAustell]

I'm considering re-rigging my boat - which is an old clinker built 15 footer - from its present bermudan rig, with deck-stepped mast, as a lugger, with unstayed mast stepped on the hog and forward of the present position. This is mainly to facilitate rigging the boat when trail sailing, but also because I like luggers. I/d appreciate any comments, particularly about mast design and positioning.

[Venchka]

I'm partial to the balanced lug with a high peaked yard and a healthy downhaul.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Tonyr]

Put the mast further forward than you first think! Better still, design the mast partner and heel so that you have some flexibility to move the mast position and rake. It is practically impossible to get this sort of thing perfect without an on-the-water test - too many variables, like the cut of the sails etc.

I found that the best way to get full control of the boom position was an offset jaws like the one Todd Bradshaw illustrates on page 113 of his book.

There is a (very recent) picture of my lugsail in the "Whitehall" thread in the Design section. Too far away to see details, however.

Tony.

[J. Dillon]

Like Tony says, make a mast thwart with a few mast size holes in it and try the mast out in all holes in different conditions of sail and wind.

Eventually you'll get it down to just the right spot. You can fine tune it the same way with a variable holed mast step.

I did this when making sea trials for my own design 18' sprit rigged skiff.

JD

http://img69.exs.cx/img69/4079/Carrianneen1.jpg