Confused on Sails

[Gludy]

Ok I think I understand that a screecher is a very handy sail and as it is furled, its is easy to handle yet offers great performance gains.

So why are not all cats fitted with screechers?

Can you have a screecher and a gene?

Is it a good idea to specify a screecher on a new cat?

[44'cruisingcat]

Most new boats are sold with just the working sails - main and jib. I guess a lot of people are happy enough to sail with just them. Also getting a screecher will probably involve getting a pole fitted as well, and the extra cost might put people off.

Gene? is that a genoa? You can have a screecher and a genoa, screechers are usually fitted on a pole in front of the headsail.

If you can afford it, order all the sails you can think of - a storm jib would be a good idea too. (You'll use the screecher a lot more though)

[GordMay]

The name “Screecher” comes from a combination of Spinnaker and Reacher.
The Screecher is most often used as a light air reaching sail, when the wind is on the beam or slightly aft of the beam; but can also be used as an upwind genoa.
Screechers are most often designed to be used with a furler, flown off a bowsprit.

[Gludy]

Thanks for the info.

So it does seem a good option to have if you can afford the extra cost.

Are there any downsides besides cost?

Can you have the mainsail, the genoa and the screecher up at the same time?

Sorry for the simple questions but there are lots of such things assumed when you are reading books etc

[GordMay]

The Screecher (± 200%) would typically be used instead of the Genoa (± 135 - 150%) or Jib (± 115) headsail, and in combination with the Main.

Welcome Gransegel multihull division

UnCut Video - Now Playing "screecher out light air sailing a Gemini 105Mc"

[Factor]

Originally Posted by Gludy

So it does seem a good option to have if you can afford the extra cost. Are there any downsides besides cost?

A few - a screecher needs to be flown off a pole - which extends your overall length in marinas etc, and most have stays that are attached to padeyes low down near the water line which is a little invitation to damage (having said that I cant actually recall anyone having the problem - but none the less it is an issue.)

You really cant get any closer to the breeze than 60 degrees in the best of screechers. They are not like a jib or genoa or any other fixed luff headsail, they are a soft luff sail - ie they arent supported on a forestay and thus you need to be thoughtful about where and when you rolll them up, they cant be reefed, only furled.

Good things, but a high quality genoa and a good working jib and a fully battened main with a bit of roach should be your first preferences in my humble opinion.

Can you have the mainsail, the genoa and the screecher up at the same time?

You could but you gain nothing and indeed it probably costs performance

Sorry for the simple questions but there are lots of such things assumed when you are reading books etc

Hey all we can do is offer our limited opinions.

a key here is to talk to an experienced multihull sailmaker, get advice off a guy/gal that builds sails for multis. They are different, the loads are higher etc. And a good multi sailmaker will probably know what works well on your particular multi.

[Gludy]

Thanks for all the info - I am getting the picture

[Ex-Calif]

Sometimes the worst questions are the ones not asked. It is hard when everyone is talking about Gennakers, Screechers, A-Sails, Symetricals,yada, yada, yada. and looking exactly like they know what they are talking about to ask, "So what's the difference between a Gennaker and a screecher?"

They'll look at you and say, "They are just different. That's all." Then you find out that like Screecher is a "reaching-spinnaker" a gennaker is a genoa-spinnaker."

Guess what - It's the same sail. Oh, sure they can be cut different...

Wanna have more fun? Ask 10 sailors who you think know what they are doing how they would rig a gennaker and you'll get at least 3 and maybe 5 answers!

Rig it like a spinnaker with a spin pole low and well forward (almost touching the forestay)
Attach it direct to a bowsprit
Just attach it direct to the foredeck fitting
You run a strop on the tack - or - You don't ever strop it...

Like anything, once you get the lingo, you can sure act like an expert.

[Gludy]

That is why it is so complex to unravel and fit it into logical boxes in my small brain