Wishbone rig
A wishbone rig is a type of rigging on sailboats. This rigging is most popular on heavy two-masted vessels. On a ketch it is called wishbone ketch and is considered a subtype of ketch rigging.
Definition
A wishbone ketch rigged vessel is a vessel that is rigged as a ketch where a permanent splitting gaff is mounted between two masts. Contrary to the gaff rig (where the gaff is hoisted together with the sail) the gaff stays in the mast. The gaff is typically fixed on the first mast (the one closer to the front) and fixed via a line to the aftmost mast. These lines allow the sail to be trimmed to suit the wind.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Easier to hoist the sail than with a gaff rig
- Offers a large sail area (advantageous in light winds) - the entire area between the masts can be covered
Disadvantages
- Potential dangerous situation in case of unplanned jibe, therefore difficult to use in broad reach (see points of sail)
- Puts significant strain on the top of the aft most mast
- Additional weight high in the mast (although this rig is generally used only on heavy boats)
Also Known As
Va Marie (used in Poland)
fishbone ketch (seldom and possible a variation to wishbone ketch)
Spreizgaffelsegel (German)
Name
The wishbone (furcula) is a bone with a V or Y shape, similar to the gaff in the wishbone rig.
Examples on actual sailing ships
- Zawisza Czarny (ship)
- Norda
- Bonawentura
See also
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