Gunter rig

[1]: 38  The overall shape of a gunter sail is roughly triangular, so having a superficial resemblance to Bermuda rig.

One important advantage is that the shorter mast used with this rig usually fits within the hull when unstepped, together with the boom and yard.

This is helpful for a dinghy that is towed behind a car, stored in a garage, or used as a tender for a larger boat.

[a] There are many variations of gunter rig: the most fundamental of which include whether the sail is hoisted with one or two halyards, and the ease with which reefs can be taken in.

Afloat, the centre of gravity of the masts and spars is lowered as the sail is reefed, unlike Bermuda rig.

This arrangement keeps the yard parallel to the mast and able to slide up and down as the sail is hoisted, lowered or reefed.

The benefit of this is that the yard is under better control as sail is lowered (thereby avoiding a hazard to the crew).