Bermudian rig
Noun: A specific sailing rig configuration for a yacht, characterized primarily by the use of triangular sails. This rig is synonymous with the Bermuda rig, a common modern design for sailing vessels.
The term "Bermudian rig" is used to describe the sail plan and mast configuration of a sailing yacht. It specifies the triangular shape of the mainsail and typically the jib or genoa, distinguishing it from older rig types like gaff rigs which use quadrilateral sails.
- The classic sloop featured a Bermudian rig, making it efficient for sailing upwind.
- Modern racing yachts almost universally use a Bermudian rig due to its aerodynamic advantages.
- Converting the old boat from a gaff rig to a Bermudian rig improved its performance significantly.
- The term is often used in technical discussions of naval architecture and sailing performance.
- It can be part of compound descriptions specifying rig and hull type, e.g., "a Bermudian-rigged sloop."
- Bermuda rig (n): The more common modern term, identical in meaning to "Bermudian rig."
- Marconi rig (n): A historical synonym for the Bermudian rig, named for its resemblance to radio masts.
- Bermudian-rigged (adj): Describing a vessel equipped with this type of rig.
- Bermuda sail plan
- Jib-headed rig (though this can sometimes refer specifically to the masthead configuration)
The "Bermudian rig" refers specifically to the configuration of the sails and supporting spars (mast, boom). Its key feature is the tall, triangular mainsail, which allows for better upwind sailing capability compared to older, square-rigged or gaff-rigged designs. The term itself is less common in contemporary usage than "Bermuda rig."
- a rig of triangular sails for a yacht