GLEN JUSTICE

One trend much in evidence here in Annapolis is the footed headsail, in which the canvas up front has a boom of it's own. Some boats had footed jibs. Others had footed staysails. But whatever the rig, it is clear that self-tending gear – and a full foredeck – remains in style.

Among the boats with footed sails were the Alerion Express 33 (pictured above), along with the entire Alerion line, and the Island Packet fleet, whose footed rigs came in a variety of configurations. The Harbor 20 also has a foot.

Almost all are using beefy booms attached at the bow – definitely not the light and thinner booms of yesteryear.

GLEN JUSTICEThe Island Packet 460 (above) has a footed staysail, while the Island Packet SP Cruiser motorsailer (below) has a footed jib. At bottom, a closeup on the Island Packet 485.

GLEN JUSTICE

GLEN JUSTICE

GLEN JUSTICEThe Harbor 20 shows a footed headsail on a smaller boat.

-- Glen Justice