Comparison: Ericson/Olson to a Traditional (gaff) Rig

[Loren Beach]

Episode 238, was just released by Leo, for Tally Ho.

I am not sure of the best way to link the video, but will try this:

Viewed thru his site app, there are no ads, so this might be more cluttered. Perhaps.

He gives a VERY thorough explanation of how the whole rig operates. There is a LOT going on!
What really gave me pause was that this may have been the most technically advanced sailing rig for its day. i.e. very "high performance."

After viewing this, I got to thinking about the "high performance" double-spreader aluminum Kenyon rig on the 80's Ericson and Olson models. The Olson even has running backstays, although we never use them in protected waters.

And, ruminating further, any sailor with a Nonsuch, Wyliecat, or similar Cat rig probably rolls their eyes at the relative complication of my boat!

Regards,
Loren

 

[Christian Williams]

I was reminded of the gaff rig of our oyster boat. What a bear it was. throat halyard and peak halyard, they go up at once. There are supposed to be two topping lifts, one on either side of the gaff, but i think we had only one, which had to be adjusted for every tack. Gaff main is enormous, and the spars were solid and very long.

The bowsprit, which apparently many gaff rigs had for headsail balance and trim, was additional complication. Sails were heavy, and when wet like concrete. No winches. How we did it, husband and wife and two little kids--i was 14 or so, skinny and my brother only 11--remains a mystery.

I cannot think of Tally Ho without exhaustion, watching leo's girlfriend work like the cast of On the Waterfront. it is really no boat to short-hand, but as a practical matter Leo is doing a lot of that. My guess is that eventually he will be inviting more crew--crew who pay, rather than are paid.