7/8ths rig

What is the advantage of a 7/8ths rig over a 3/4 or masthead rig?

The boat I used to own had a 3/4 rig which was not all that well stayed. I usually dropped the jib first when the wind was getting a bit too much. Minus the jib, the boat balanced reasonably well. Once the weather helm got a bit too heavy, it was time to put a reef in the main which shortened the sail and made the helm a bit more balanced.

It would seem to me that the masthead rig offers the most secure staying and the largest jib, where the 3/4 rig offers the drop the jib quick reefing trick.

What does the 7/8ths rig offer that these two don't?

 

You could write books on the advantages disadvantages of masthead vs fractional. When choosing a rig much depends on how you will use it.

Concerning the seven eighths rig its the best layout for modern sails. Asymmetric and Code sails.

On a masthead rig the masthead is a traffic jam...particularly in the area of the Genoa roller furl swivel. A fractional rig clears up the masthead by lowering the roller and halyard exit and allows the asymmetric sails to fly chafe free of head stay and roller and keeps the spinnaker sock out of the tangle zone. . Also Much easier to jibe the asymmetric on a fractional. .

Best to speak to your naval architect and tell him how you would like to sail the boat , then allow him to come up with a rig geometry solution to achieve your goals.

 

Thank you.

An absolutely excellent explanation.