bi-rigged cats

[Just one Fish]

I saw a pic of one of these th other day and was wondering what the thought on them was. sounds good but does any one have any experience with them?
thanks
Kevin

[multihullsailor6]

I have sailed approx. 200 miles now, on various occasions, on a 26ft Radical Bay cat designed by Jeff Schionning with his version of a freestanding bi-rig. This little boat, when in the groove and with at least 10 knots of wind, goes really well, we often see 15kts+ of boat speed. The handling and trimming of the sails does require some new techniques. We happily sail in 25-30kts of wind with two reefed mainsails
The advantages of the bi-rig are smaller sail size and thus also halyards and sheets leading to less force being required for sail handling, combined with a lower centre of gravity.
The disadvantages are difficult tacking (or we have not found the correct way yet?) and sometimes blacketing of the leeward sail by the windward sail.
Overall I like the system very much, feel it is a safe and efficient rig for a cat.