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By 1929 virtually all Herreshoff yachts of reasonable size were changed from gaff-headed to jib-headed rigs, either ketches or yawls, while some were changed to schooners. The simple reason for the change was conventional logic: the jib-headed rig was faster for the given amount of sail area than the gaff rig, and was nore practical for cruising as well as racing, as sail changes were easier, more versatile and required fewer crew. This fact stands out as the primary reason why yachts like DORIS were modified from their original rig.
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| DORIS under Gaff-headed Rig |
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Indeed, DORIS, while owned by Lawrence Lowell Reeve, was changed from a gaff-headed sloop/cutter prior to the 1932 Bermuda Race, as the only practical thing to do if his vessel was to be competitive. As it turned out, DORIS performed quite admirably, leading the entire fleet for a good part of the race before light winds gave favor to smaller vessels.
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A turn of the century Herreshoff underway!
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