bella is becoming a cutter
Monday, December 31st, 2007I removed the forward mast and made the boat a cutter. I took several hundred pounds off the bow (which sits 3″ higher out of the water) without losing sail area. I’m also adding shrouds, which is stiffening the rig substantially. I have a genoa, which I won’t use until I have the spreaders and upper shrouds installed, but I have been sailing with the staysail. I’m pleased to discover the helm still balances nicely, and the stiffer rig makes the boat more responsive. The forward bunk is also much more comfortable without the mast sticking through it. I’m looking forward to installing the spreaders and uppers and then doing some more trips.