Summer 2001: Going into the building of the Weekend Skiff, I wanted to have a sloop rig. That has been a longtime goal of mine when it comes to sailboats.

    That made it certain that I would try a gaff main/jib rig detailed in Canoe Rig by Todd Bradshaw. I was pleased with the polytarp sails I made, and I spent a lot of time on the rigging, but I didn't take into account that two adults sitting in a small space would sit on all the four lines I carefully set up for the gaff rig.

    We didn't sail at all that day, or even hoist the sails fully. It was a disaster. Then it began to rain. I consoled myself with a row around the boat slips.

    After another session with the polytarp, we had another sail version Launch Day and actually sailed, at Glenwood Reservoir in Medina, NY, using the stock standing lug rig in the boat plans.