Editing Gaff rig (section)

==Sailing characteristics (small craft)==

For a given sail area a gaff rig has a shorter mast than a [[Bermuda rig|Bermudan rig]]. In short-ended craft with full body, heavy displacement and moderate [[ballast]] ratio, it is difficult to set enough sail area in the Bermudan rig without a mast of excessive height and a [[Forces on sails#Centre of effort|centre of effort (CE)]] too high for the limited [[Ship stability|stability]] of the [[hull (watercraft)|hull]].{{sfnp|Philips-Birt|1954|pp=47–48}} Because of its low [[aspect ratio]], the gaff rig is less prone to [[stall (fluid dynamics)|stall]]ing if oversheeted than something taller and narrower.{{sfnp|Cunliffe|1992|p=15}}

===Reaching with gaff sails===

Whilst [[Reaching (sailing)|reaching]], the CE being set further back, will encourage a small craft to bear up into the wind, i.e. strong [[weather helm]]. The boat builder can compensate for this at design stage, e.g. by shifting the keel slightly aft, or having two jibs to counter the effect. The gaff-cutter is in fact a very popular [[sailplan]] for small craft.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} The helmsman can reduce weather helm significantly, simply by sheeting out the mainsail. Sheeting out may appear to create an inefficient belly in the sail, but it is often a pragmatic alternative to having a heavy helm. A swing keel lifted halfway is the perfect treatment for weather helm on a gaffer.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} The usual adjustments to mast rake, or even bowsprit length may be made to a gaffer with persistent heavy weather (or lee) helm.

===Running with gaff sails===

On a gaff-rigged vessel, any heading where the wind is within 20 degrees of dead aft is considered a [[Running (sailing)#Running downwind|run]].{{sfnp|Cunliffe|1992|p=118}} When [[Points of sail#Running downwind|running]] with a gaff rig, the CE of the mainsail may actually be overboard of the hull, in a stiff wind the craft may want to [[Broach (nautical)|broach]]. Running goose winged with a balloon staysail poled out to windward will balance the CE; Nick Skeates circumnavigated ''Wylo II'' with this configuration.{{sfnp|Cunliffe|1992|p=120}}
In light winds, or when racing, a [[watersail]] may also be set.