All,
This may seem like an outlandish story, but in my research on improved windward performance on the 365 ketch, I came across a brief google mention of a 365 in Jost Van Dyke with a bowsprit instead of the regular anchor platform, and an owner who experienced significantly improved performance to weather.
Has anyone else:
1. heard this story
2. added a bowsprit
3. seriously considered this approach, but opted out because of cost/complexity
Thanks!
I just bought my 365 and gave this concept a bit of thought since I've always been a fan of the extra sail area bowsprits give you... for my part I've opted out at the moment because I have other concerns (solar/wind) which are tying up my money at the moment... i'm also bracing my anchor platform as Rich has but not ruling out this mod for the future when time and money permit.
I haven't heard that story for pearsons, but I have heard that moving the headsail forward will improve performance to weather. I was looking at Endeavour 37s for a while, which develop severe weather helm. In 1980 the company added a bowsprit and that was supposed to significantly improve peformance. If you look around on sailnet I think there is a discussion of why.