I saw this boat in Chinon, (Brittany) France, and thought it was pretty interesting. That's me wearing the shades. Right of center there is a medieval gate to the original walled city, set back between the curved buildings.

Here's a closer view. The ring on the stem retains the sprit when it's lowered; and the ring is split so it opens with a hinge on one side and has a retaining pin on the opposite side to keep it closed.