flicka gaff cutter?
 

After sailing my first boat, an Alberg 22, around for the last year I feel that I have outgrown her. Not that she is too small, just about right actually, but I would like something a little more comfortable and seaworthy. I live on St Croix and the closest neighboring island is a good 8-10 hour sail across open water. Of the boats in my price range, I've always thought a flicka would be a good next boat for me.

One flicka I would like to look at is a gaff cutter. I find gaff rigs attractive and facinating but have never sailed one. Does anyone have any knowledge of how a flicka handles as a gaff cutter? also, a general breakdown of pros and cons of a gaff cutter rig would be helpful.

Your Alberg seems pretty seaworthy by design. But for your next boat you might want at least some 30' of LOA and roughly the same kinds of sail/displacement/waterline proportions in order to make those passages in weather.

Now.. the Flicka... I can't see going from your current boat to that and having any better results, in any category... Might want to check out:

http://www.ventureyachts.com/practical.htm

Best,
CJV

Gaff Flicka
 

There is a considerable difference between a boat displacing 3,200 and one displacing 5,500. And while there's some performance difference between gaff and bermudan rigs, from a sailing point of view it's mostly when hoisting and reefing that you'll see any difference.

I've never sailed a gaff flicka, but I did spend a few hundred dollars checking one out very thoroughly; I too love gaff rigs and I've owned a couple of them. Based on my experiences with a boat somewhat similar in displacement and shape, a Benford full-keeled catboat, I can make some guesses.

It is likely that a gaff-rigged flicka will sail very well off the wind without an extensive off-wind sail inventory. It will sail well in reaches. It will not be a great performer to windward compared with racing craft, but just about the same as your Alberg 22 if the gaff is light or has an efficient preventer (the sheeting angle of the jib will mean you won't point quite so high, but the beam and mass will let you carry more sail longer.) If rigged with a topsail you won't need much in way of light air sails. If your boat is like the one I surveyed the gaff will be heavy, all spars will be wood, and no rig for the topsail. Wood spars will require tlc in St. Croix.

If your goal is BVI/USVI, a gaff flicka would be a good rig. Going uphill, well, it will depend on your patience and willingness to avoid pinching; you'll get there faster if you crack off.