30ft Junk Rigged Light Cruiser Design #297

There is an undeniable appeal to the junk rig. It is simple to make and even simpler to sail. In the 1960s Blondie Hasler demonstrated convincingly that is also perfectly adaptable to single handed ocean sailing. This design is a reworking of a small junk rigged boat I built for myself in the 1980s directly inspired by Hasler’s work. The Water Bear was an experiment in light displacement performance, a boat that went on to make ocean crossings and lasted well into the early decades of this century. In this new version the essential elements of the earlier boat are preserved but displacement is increased to better handle a cruising load and the structure is more substantial.

For those seeking economy and performance in a boat capable of extended voyaging, this plan is worth serious consideration. This is an ideal singlehander.

Construction: Plywood on laminated frames