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.


Start Free Trial Join Nowfor 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”

  • 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.

    • Giorgio Mussi says:

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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

    • Mike Wolter says:

      What were the Alden schooners like to be on?