Question for Current or Former Ketch Owners (Only)

[smallyachts]

We have two ketch rigged boats. One is a conventional ketch rig, the other is a ketch/cutter rigged arrangement.

I have found the ketch/cutter to be a better pointing arrangement than the conventional ketch.

I agree that a ketch rig gives a much wider range of sail carrying capabilities as well as making the sails easier to handle due to the size as compared to our previous sloop/cutter.

Although the extra sail inventory does mean extra stowage needed, and of course when it is time to upgrade the sail inventory, it is a bit more daunting financially due to the number of sails.

The ONLY downside I see with a ketch rig, is of course dowsing all the sails in the event of weather. It does take a bit longer to deal with 3 or 4 sails instead of just a head and main on a sloop.

[Get-a-Life]

We have owned a cutter, a sloop and a cutter rigged ketch.

For cruising, this is a no brainer - Cutter rigged ketch every time. But they are hard to find.

Our ideal yacht would be a fin keeled, centre cockpit cutter rigged ketch.

As for dealing with more sails in bad weather, I would have thought that this is there big advantage, you should have already reduced sail to match the conditions which would mean you are dealing with more manageable size sails.

A mizzen staysail is the ultimate buzz. Used on a broadreach along with genoa, staysail, main and mizzen, you really know you are alive.

[smallyachts]

Get-A-Life,

You are absolutely correct, I should shorten sail sooner and my crew agrees with you.

But what a rush to have 1000 sq ft up in 30 + knots! Followed by adrenaline filled moments when I realize the crew does not share my joy and we have to suddenly shorten sail.

[PatrickS]

Thanks to everyone for all the great input.

I'm now the proud new owner of a 1979 Westerly Berwick Ketch.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by PatrickS

Thanks to everyone for all the great input.

I'm now the proud new owner of a 1979 Westerly Berwick Ketch.

Nice

I once sailed down to Spain on a Westerly Pentland Ketch* - would be happy to go pretty much anywhere in one. (Can't say the same with that Skipper - difference of opinion on Navigation, he wanted to go accross land. I didn't - I came back by train ...........but no worries on the Boat in a Biscay Hooley**)




*for other readers - same hull, but with a small (very!) aft cabin.

** Force 8 - feeling like a 12

[Stillraining]

No worries mate...last time I heard that captain had obtained the proper vessel..