Fin-keeled boats like the Tanzer 22 typically sail at anchor, because they
lack the mass and directional stability provided by a deep, full keel.
This is a large advantage when sailing, but not so much so at anchor.
The anchor riding sail is flown from the backstay, and works as a windvane
to keep the boat pointed into the wind. It is often sheeted to one of the
toerails, although I sheet mine to the mast.
I started by cutting a triangular shape out of 9oz sailcloth. Heavy cloth
is an asset here, as it minimizes fluttering of the sail in use.
Once the main area is cut to shape, patches are attached to each corner. For
ease of design and construction, I used webbing loops at all three corners
instead of grommets. Due to its small size, only two hanks are needed to clip
it to the backstay.
Closeups of the corners of the sail. The head (photo 1) is attached to the
main halyard. The tack (photo 2) is tied to the stern rail. The clew
(last two photos) is sheeted to a strap on the mast.
As with most items on a boat, this sail does double duty. Before it was
ever used as a sail, it served as a rain cover on our 2002 cruise of
Lake Ontario!
Finally, three photos of the sail in use. It's inherently difficult to take
pictures of this sail, as it's not possible to get off the boat and take
a picture while it's normally in use!
© 2018 Melissa Goudeseune
