Ah well, nhp,
I have read the review in Marine Modelling for the Moonbeam and the reviewer decided that the mast should be seated on the keel, and also commented about the problem of there being no backstay.
Thats good enough for me, as here is someone who has built her and sailed her.
There was some comment on the mast leaning forward and using non stretching braid. My reel of braid is finished and the local fishing tackle shop does not sell it any more.
Does anyone know where I can buy some more?
With a gaff rig like this, when I have been drawing up a sail plan, I work out how far the mainsail boom will go out without spilling wind from the sails. There is no point in the mainboom going out any further so I use this to determine how far back a mast stay can be placed. This gives a good chance of the mast staying up in bad weather.
Sometimes with a scale sailing boat it is difficult to balance the wind forces so that she will sail on most points with a neutral rudder. When this happens I go for a larger (or smaller) jib or perhaps an extra one. They work quite well without having to be winched with the rest of the sails. Just have an eye at the clew with a running line through it.
It is surprising what can be worked out on paper beforehand with a little bit of geometry.
Moonbeam is very nice looking yacht, I look forward to seeing one sailing
regards Roy