I vote nay...

As for converting that vessel to JR, I would vote nay, and that for several reasons:

• ·         Although the displacement is not given, the gaffrig’s sail area is 210sqm. It is hard to find deck space enough to rig that on a JR unless one makes a very tall rig.
• ·         The long keel on these sorts of boats puts the CLR far forward, so the gaffrig depends on several sails on a bowsprit to get a decent helms balance. Without these staysails, a JR would probably have to be rigged as a ketch with a gigantic mainsail, 150sqm+, and then a smallish mizzen, 30-50sqm.
• ·         The unstayed mainmast would sit far forward and be quite a heavy beast, although one would do away with the bowsprit.
• ·         The stresses that such a mast would put on a 100year+ old hull would surely be interesting. There is a good chance that the old lady would start leaking as the wind and waves pick up.
• ·         I bet many people fancy Sæløer as she is with her gaffrig, and would not appreciate if anyone starts tampering with her.
  
  Conclusion:
  Better leave Sæløer as she is. There are plenty of interesting vessels around.
  
  Cheers,
  Arne

Your link does not seem to work.

I think there is a formatting problem with your post.

I suggest highlight a word in your text, click on the "link" icon and paste your link into the dialogue box. That word will then become "hypertext" and will act as a link when people click on it.

By the way, if you go to the website home page, Members' Area, Directories, JRA Members' Boats and "search" for the boat "Iris" you will see a 35' Colin Archer junk rig conversion and you will be able to contact the owner who I am sure will be helpful.