There is a convergence during the late 16th century up to the mid-17th century when the Chinese lug rig, the European lug rig (if it is not based on the Chinese), the lateen rig and the spritsail rig are all being used in Netherlands-Flanders, under Spanish domination and probably the result of Spanish and Portuguese exploration. Out of this mix comes both the long and short gaff, but it seems to come into its own, at least the short gaff, in the Caribbean for use in the Dutch guerilla warfare against the Spanish and for Spanish commodities, and subsequently for the pirate and early 'privateer' ventures over there. The gaff appears most prominently on the Bermuda Sloop and the Jamaica Sloop and is adopted by several navies after this point in time, mainly to gain an equal par with their manoeuvrability. And it takes off as a design.

The vacant spot still remains, when and where exactly did the long or short gaff emerge?

Shouldn't the Old Gaffers' Association know when and where its reason for coming together originates? Is anybody curious enough to join the conversation?

One of those pieces of maritime history not touched because nobody thought it important? Leather alludes but does not answer by the way.