
The modern junk rig has been used for yachts since Blondie Hasler rigged a Folkboat that way for the first Observer Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic race way back in 19601.
Since then the popularity of the rig has waxed and waned, without really catching on. But there has pretty much always been a few proponents tirelessly evangelizing the benefits of the rig, claiming simplicity, low cost, and ease of reefing, among other things.
And said evangelists tend to gather a group of disciples who follow their exploits and dream of building their own junk-rigged cruising boat. That’s fine, there are indeed advantages to the rig, and there is no question that many successful long voyages have been made under it.
That said, there are also drawbacks to the junk rig that tend to get swept under the carpet by the fans that it’s as well to know about.
How do I know this?