Aorere reaching under topsail in 18-20 knots of wind

Aorere sails extremely well - due to her deep draft and 4.5 tonnes of ballast she is very reluctant to heel past about 25 degrees. Helm is neutral on all points of sail. Sheet and halyard loads are light to moderate, which is just as well as there are no winches on board.

Performance reaching and running is excellent, although upwind the high windage of the gaff rig is at a disadvantage compared to modern rigs. 

The gaff topsail is an important sail, adding both area aloft as well as improving the overall aspect ratio of the rig. Striking the topsail works in effect as the first reef, although it has been found in practice that it is worth hanging on to it as long as possible as the wind increases, with the upper limit being 18-20 knots of wind. Below 10 knots of wind a jib topsail is also carried to enhance light weather performance.