Favourite Oyster Yawl - Rig and Hull

	Favourite: Sails
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Rig & Hull

Sails

Hull

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Favourite is an oyster yawl. The rig, perhaps surprisingly, is a gaff cutter and not a yawl which would usually mean a second smaller mast abaft the rudder post.

As far as we know few, if any, of the Whitstable oyster yawls had a second mast rigged as a true yawl. We do not really know the origin of the term yawl in this usage - can you help?

Topsail
The topsail is set on the topmast in lighter winds. The wind is stronger and steadier above the sea surface, important when sail is the only motive power.

Flying Jib
A sail set in fair weather for increased speed, perhaps to get to and from the working grounds. The Flying Jib is set between the bowsprit and the top of the mainmast.

Gaff Mainsail
Main working sail used in all weather. The sail is loose footed, ie only attached to the boom at two points. In heavy weather, the sail is set lower and reduced in area. The three rows of reefing points allow the unused sail to be tied securely.

Foresail
A working sail used in nearly all weather. The sail can be set automatically by attaching the sheet to an iron horse across the boat, just in front of the mast.

Can you help us understand how the Favourite was sailed under different weather conditions?