Gaff rigg

On our way up North we stopped for a few days on small island Stora Fjäderägg which is one of Sweden’s most important bird station. To get there one sails traditional gaff-rigged Holmöslupen from Holmön.

It was a great opportunity to try and feel how this kind of rig feels and performs on the sea. In addition to that the boat carrying this rig is traditionally built workboat which was used here for many generations!

Even though she looks like very old boat - due to tar coat and traditional lines - she was built only ca 10 years ago.

It is a flat-bottom vessel, able to sail in very shallow waters. The drawback of all such boats - if not equipped with side boards or centreboard - is that she cannot really point into the wind. In our times this is dodged with Volvo Penta diesel engine which is installed conveniently to enable manoeuvring in tight places and against the wind by just one sailor.

Apart from the engine all other is true to her times: pine tar, wooden blocks, hemp-like (synthetic) lashings and wire rig. Sail loops made of willow roots!

To maintain historic look her sails were made of cotton-like canvas -synthetic (to avoid mould) but looking like real Egyptian cotton.

Otherwise completely open - as workboats are - she had a small compartment on akter part, causing the tiller to be very long and hence very convenient to steer.

All in all I felt more at home at this boat than on fully varnished “do not touch me” yacht.