Editing Gaff rig (section)

===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.