The Rig
There are basically 3 types of rig fitted to the Evolution 26. What with the choice of rigs and engines, it's difficult to say what is a standard Evolution 26.
The Masthead Rig
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This is the original rig fitted to the Evolution, and is probably the most common. You are more likely to find a Masthead rig fitted with roller reefing. This rig has the largest spinnaker of the 3, |
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You can see that the mast is stepped over the bulkhead, and there are 3 chainplate U Bolts for the shrouds. |
The Fractional Rig
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The 3/4 fractional rig is very similar to that fitted to the Evolution
25. with swept back spreaders alleviating the need for running backstays.
The adjustable backstay can be used to tune the mast bend, and to some
extent apply additional forestay tension. With the Fractional Rig, the mast is stepped further forward, just behind the forehatch. Unlike the original masthead rig, the mast foot is no longer directly supported by the bulkhead. Additional support is provided for the mast by a variation / combination of a stiffening moulded into the underside of the deck head, or a supporting strut attached to the the mounting for the hydraulic keel mechanism which is fixed to the front of the bulkhead. |
The position of the chainplate U bolts on this rig is aft of the bulkhead in order to force the spreaders forward. There will be some knees attached to the bulkhead to transmit the rig loads to the bulkhead.
Many boats have been converted from Masthead to Fractional rig (mainly to the Tall variety for racing). If you are looking to buy a boat that has been converted, pay careful attention to the support for the mast to ensure it is adequate.
The fractional rig with roller reefing is quite good for short handed sailing, as you have a smaller Genoa and larger Mainsail, which makes short tacking and winching the Genoa easier.
This 3/4 rig has the smallest spinnaker of the 3, even though the mast is taller than the masthead rig.
The Tall Fractional Rig
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The Tall Fractional Rig is basically a racing configuration with particularly good up-wind performance. You may find that boats in this configuration are often minimally fitted out in order to reduce weight - often with no cooker or water tank. |
Again, the mast is stepped forward of the bulkhead, with the chain plate U Bolts in line with the bulkhead - there is no need for the knees as fitted to the swept back spreader rig. Instead, this rig has Running Backstays to provide stability for the mast.
I would say it is unusual to find a Tall rig with roller reefing - these are racing machines normally equipped with deck sweeping foresails.
The mast on the Tall Fractional Rig is approximately 10" taller than that fitted to the Fractional Rig.
