A balestron rig is a sailplan involving a boom that extends forwards of the mast and is pivoted on it. It is a balanced rig. It involves a mainsail and a smaller jib on an unstayed mast.Balestron or Aerorigs, Woods Designs Sailing Catamarans, Richard Woods.
Mainsail and jib are controlled by a single sheet. The rig was extensively used on model boats but has recently been used of full-sized vessels.Alternative Rigs, Sail Magazine, David Schmidt, December 8, 2008 On model boats, it dramatically reduces the energy consumption of sail trimming.
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