The Gaff Rig Page

Hand Reef and Steer Chapter List An unofficial, un-sanctioned chapter  and illustration list of Tom Cunliffe's book, a true gaff rig resource. Revised 05/09/00

List of chapters:

Introduction
Chapter 1:  Gaff in Perspective
Chapter 2:  Forms and Specifics
Chapter 3:  Masts and Spars
Chapter 4:  Standing Rigging
Chapter 5:  Running Gear
Chapter 6:  Mainsails
Chapter 7:  Topsails
Chapter 8:  Headsails
Chapter 9:  Making the Rig Work
Chapter 10:  Shortening Sail
Chapter 11:  Heavy Weather
Chapter 12:  Light Weather
Chapter 13:  Downwind Sailing
Chapter 14:  Slow-speed Sailing
Chapter 15:  Practical Manoeuvering
Chapter 16:  The Question of Authenticity
Appendix 1 - Loose Ends
Appendix 2 - Notes
Index

Partial List of Illustrations:

Hove to, bermudian and gaff rig vessels
Typical Sloop Foretriangle (with rigging details)
A Norwegian Pilot Cutter (rigging details)
Classic Jib Arrangement (rigging details)
Typical Masthead w/Fidded Topmast (rigging details)
Forestaying Arrangements on a Cutter (rigging details)
Masthead of Pole Masted Cutter (rigging details - shown above)
Gaff Jaws, gaff saddle (construction details)
Boom and Lower Sail of Typical Loose-Footed Working Sail (rigging details)
Running Backstays (rigging)
Shroud Arrangements on Pilot Cutter (rigging example)
Deadeye (two views, showing lanyard w/cow hitch)
Classic Double Ended Mainsheet (rigging details)
Lizard to Alter Lead
Belaying to a Pin
Vertical Cut Gaff Mainsail and Cross-cut "yacht" Mainsail (comparison)
Hoisting the Mainsail (examples of what to look for)
Tying Up the Sail (example)
Elements of Jackyard Topsail (example)
Anatomy of Typical Gaff Topsail (example)
Setting a Topsail (comparison of proper leech tension and poorly set sail)
Fisherman Staysail Set on a Reach (example)
Laurent Giles "Dyarchy" Forestay for Controlling a Jib (rigging details)
Jib Topsails (example)
Sail Balance (sailing technique)
Beating to Windward (sailing technique)
Leg of Mutton Trysail (heavy weather sail technique - rigging details)
Working Downwind in a Series of Reaches (sailing technique)
Single Luff or Asymmetric Spinnaker (rigging details)
Tricing (a kind of reverse reef for loose footed sails)
The Close Reach for Boat Control (sailing techique)

So far, this is one of my favorite resources for the gaff rig.  It is a bit pricey, but Amazon.com does offer a discount on this one, and you get a hardbound book that approaches "coffee table" beauty.