The mule has been regarded an ornamental sail by some. Yes, it does look great, but I wouldn't carry it around if it didn't have real purpose. About the same area as the mizzen, it fills in the area above the main and sheets to the mizzen mast. It is only useful up to about 15 knots of wind. Flying high above the main, it can catch more air and induce some heal which increases waterline, hence speed. It seems to act as a riding sail and keeps the sails full longer in a swell. It is self-tending.

Stuart Hopkins wrote an article that appeared in Sail March 1980. In his article Harnessing the Mule, the wishbone (a spar similar to that on a windsurfer) is an important element to the mule making it useful in a greater range of wind directions. I felt the wishbone boom was extra windage and trouble; so maybe I am penalized by inability to fly the mule during a couple of points of sail.

I never made a set of plans, just cut and try till it worked right. Maybe I will make some plans from my working rig someday. The current version is cloth cut out from the old main, sewn onto wire and attached to a Harken furler, like the little furling gear used on Hobie Cats. It sets with one hand while steering. I led a small vinyl-covered wire from the drum down the mizzen mast to a cleat. I mounted a cleat next to it for the single sheet.

I used the mule in a single-handed race in the BVI years ago with good effect. Beautiful scenery dancing on the lifelines. Moxie performs well in the stronger conditions of the Caribbean. We surprised the big boats in a race in Grenada too! A heavy full-keeled boat doesn't have to be slow! Particularly when sailed to advantage; you've got that rigging up there. Make it work for you.

please contact me with questions and comments kirk