Hi Osiris,
We have a 1974 53 Gulfstar. We were in a collision with her in Sept 2011. We are considering changing the rigging from a ketch to a sloop. Before the collision we raised the sails about 4-5 times.That's why i feel I would like to have someone's opinion that has sailed this boat more than we have. Our intention is to eventually get to the islands. Would we be missing the mizzen then? We know this is not a performance sailboat. We wanted her because she is a comfortable liveaboard and a great motorsailor. We are trying to gather as much information from sources to make a thought out decision. The times we did have the sails up, it appeared the mizzen did not add to the speed much. The idea of having less stays is appealing as is the financial aspect of not having additional chainplates, rigging and sail to maintain.
Just looking for your experience and opinion since you have this vessel and have sailed her quite a bit longer than we have. Thanks for your time.

Linda