Preview: My Favorite Rig and Why—The Gaff Rigged Schooner, by Havilah Hawkins

Gaff Rigged Sloop VELA
Captain Havilah Hawkins’s Gaff Rigged Sloop VELA

Okay, I’ll admit up front that I am a bit biased. In spite of now owning the 50’ sloop VELA, I can’t help myself. I have to make the case for the wonderfully aesthetic and versatile scooner rig.

. . . sign up to the right to get immediate access to this full post,
plus you'll get 10 of our best videos for free.


Get Free Videos& Learn More Join Now!!for Full Access Members Sign In


Comments, Thoughts or Suggestions?

You can leave a comment or question for OCH and members below. Here are the comments so far…

Leave a Comment

9 Responses So Far to “My Favorite Rig and Why—The Gaff Rigged Schooner, by Havilah Hawkins

  • Avatar

    Giorgio Mussi says:

    I built a schooner with the construction plans of Phil Bolger, “light schooner”, it behaves exactly like everything written in the article, I am very satisfied. G.M.

    • Avatar

      Giorgio Mussi says:

      Anche io ho costruito light schooner of phil bolger, sono d’accordo con tutto. Giorgio, Pavia Italy

  • Avatar

    Mike Wolter says:

    In designing a boat myself that is based off of the Herreshoff ‘Fishers Island’ 31 with the particulars modified to achieve a higher cabin space while further streamlining the hull. This being an 52′ overall length, 12′ beam, 40′ waterline and a draught of 8′ with an overall displacement at around 30,000 lb. For a boat that size in considering the appropriate amount of sail area for the vessel, a total of 1,070 square feet, one has to consider how much of a pain to raise the sails or the stresses on the hull especially if you are a solo sailor. The schooner rig is by far more practical in that aspect as the total sail area can be further divided among more sails. This makes for a boat that is easier to manage and is less stressful on the boat herself.

  • Avatar

    Rick Pratt says:

    Mr. Hawkins,

    I have never sailed a schooner, but your words give me confidence. I am building a 67′ sparred length, 40′ LOD Gulf Coast Scow Schooner as per Chapelle.

    I look forward to learning how to live with and love a gaff schooner.

    Thanks for the encouragement.

    Regards
    Adios

    Rick Pratt
    Director, Farley Boat Works
    Port Aransas, Texas

  • Avatar

    Steven Toby says:

    I cruised for a week on one of the Alden schooners when in my teens. Agree with everything in this article, plus, the schooner I was on was 56 feet long and had no winches. Not even one. That’s another advantage. We had a crew of 3 men, one adult woman, and a boy (me.) The only time we missed winches was when weighing anchor — a boat that size and weight could have been helped by at least a hand windlass.

    • Avatar

      Mike Wolter says:

      What were the Alden schooners like to be on?