PINKIES

The pinky hull form has always been a favorite of mine, and I’ve never understood why Americans chose foreign double-enders over a native model that is undoubtedly one of the finest sea boats in the world.  They are extremely seaworthy and seakindly, work under short rig to windward when others are sagging off badly, yet are fine light weather sailers despite their heavy displacement. Design shown above is DUNMOWEN.

48' steel pinky, TUSITALLA, (ex-AURORA), on a broad reach, a point of sail where pinkies shine.  She was restored to her original schooner rig when rebuilt by her new owner.

TUSITALLA again in a fresh breeze, reefed down.  One of the many advantages of the schooner rig is the ability to reef down while still keeping a good luff on the foresail.

48' AURORA with a Chinese rig used by the original owner. I have never liked this rig on double-enders of Western hull form. The main reason it works on the Chinese hull form is the large gallery that can be added which catches all of the lines when they come down, rather than the great possibility of having them spill overboard and get caught in the propeller on a double-ender.

My pinky stock designs range from 36’ to 53’.  With the exception of a 42-footer, which was built in wood, the remainder are steel multi-chine designs.  The deep reefs shown above are not for looks.  They are there because the vessel has a hull shape that can keep sailing in the really heavy weather.  Under the schooner rig, she can be handled by one person, even in the larger sizes.  Contrary to general opinion, the gaff rig is as easy to handle, if not easier, than most jib-headed rigs.  Up to 600 sq.ft. in any one sail, the halyards can be single; above that, double.  The main gaff topsail and fisherman staysail are excellent light weather additions, simple to set and handle.  In heavy weather, the pinky works well under foresail alone, and can be hove-to with a triple reef in her foresail and the helm lashed. 

DESIGNS