Xebec Sailing Characteristics

[Dobbs]

Dobbs, if I remember correctly on the Kalmar Nyckel we used to furl the lateen sail on the mizzen before dipping (when that was done which was not often). I would suspect they'd have to furl the sail on a large xebec rig before dipping. I have seen some videos of traditional lateen rigging Mediterranean fishing craft but I am not sure they are shown tacking. I may have posted one in the forum somewhere.

Good to hear from you, Eric! Near as I can tell from my research, you don't have to furl to tack. I would not say that I am an expert though, just a curious observer. I have been watching dhow racing videos for sail handling clews, oops, clues

That might work in jibing, but not in a combat or chase situation. I suspect that if a a captain was on an advantaged tack and wanted to be advantaged on the other tack, he would choose to tack instead of jibe as a timesaver. I have seen a lot of examples of lateen yards on the windward (disadvantaged) side of the mast.

I did see one interesting video from Zanzibar where a crew apparently jibed the sail like an asymmetrical spinnaker, letting the clew fly toward the bow then trimming it in on the other tack. The camera didn't show the yard, but the yard must have gone vertical during that to get it on the right side of the mast.