The Cutter Rig

The Cutter rig is very similar to the Bermuda rig, although it has one significant difference. Instead of one
large head sail, the cutter breaks up its forward sail area in to two smaller head sails. This was a common
configuration of the old working boats around the turn of the 20th century. Its a very common rig for small
sailboats that plan on extended ocean journeys as the smaller head sails are easier to manage by a single
person or small crew. Having 3 sails instead of two also allows for a wider variation of sail combinations,
which can aid in heavy or light weather.
Cutter rigs often times have a bowsprit, or elongated section coming off the bow of the vessel, to support
and add sail area to the two head sails. The Cutter rig is also fairly decent sailing into the wind, although
some would argue that two smaller head sails are not as efficient at producing thrust as one large head sail
while sailing close hauled. My personal opinion is that this depends on the sailor and the boat ... I love
Cutters :)