There are actually quite a few rigs that make sense in the VolksCruiser and what works for me may not work for you. That said, it’s important to do your homework and work out what you need so you can make an informed decision.
For me, the important factors are viability, performance, and cost. Obviously, those require a certain amount of compromise which a lot of folks find somewhat problematic. Back when I was taking classes in design, one of my teachers would often say that compromise is the element that elevates a workable design to art. Sadly, compromise is too often considered to be a negative rather than a positive. Then there’s always the old adage…
“You can only choose two. Speed, comfort, cost, or quality?”
Which is just about the stupidest thing I’ve ever come across. It’s a tunnel vision design trope that just about guarantees a failed design whether it’s a boat, rig, or a pair of jeans. I really could insert a book-length rant here but I’ll just point out that the only way to get the big picture is to seriously deal with some positive compromise as an integral element of the project.
So yeah, lots of great rigs that are hardly used these days because of some racing rule, whatever the current fad is, or peer pressure to conform. Whether it’s gaff rig, wingmast, crabclaw, or lateen it’s not about what’s hip but what works.
In the next installment, we’ll take a look at what a VolksCruiser rig needs to do….