That looks like an interesting rig, but I think I'll stick with the simpler lateen. At least for the first one I build...
pk

I've learned there is a lot of value in that! And you can still end up with a sharp craft that you will be proud of.

a pair of braces from the mast step on the bottom to the mast thwart at the gunwales triangulates the forces at the bottom of the mast to the gunwales, which are usually the strongest load bearing members in a canoe. my canoe had a bad twist until i added the diagonal braces. mine are made of aluminum tubes from the hardware store with the ends flattened and bent to fit. i got the idea from dave elderton's posts. [URL=http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2627720360053419764WZbyfb] the idea is to spread the load from the mast base to the mast thwart and gunwales.