Sailing directly downwind

[whb]

What is the best small rig for sailing directly downwind. The prevailing wind on the river I fish on is almost straight upriver.

Hence, sail up. Stop. Fish and float back. Do again, and again and again.

Thanks

Howard

[Zane Lewis]

Sounds like a job for a small square sail or Crab claw.
I am assuming you are in a small boat and something with a COE that will stay over the boat's center line would be best.
This would rule out any normal type of fore and aft rig.

[ahp]

A Square Sail, wider than high, like the ancient Egyptians built. The closer you sail to the wind, the higher the aspect ratio (luff to foot ratio) should be.

A 30 Square Meter is a good example of a very close winded boat, just the opposite of what you want.

Have you consudred Nefertiti lounging under a sunshade in the stern?

[Todd Bradshaw]

If you can get by with 30 or 40 square feet of sail area, check out the model labeled "BSD Twins" at this site. It would be very hard to top for downwind work.
http://www.baloghsaildesigns.com/pro.html

[whb]

Thanks All,

The twins sale looks just about perfect. When I am fishing it should be easy to reduce to a stick with no boom to get in the way.

My wife says she is quite willing to play the part of Nefertiti but I have to wave the fan.


Howard