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SECTION 4 – SAIL CONTROLS – SETTING SAILS
A boat of this weight with sail areas of this size can generate significant forces. Because your
boat is so stiff, stable and is set up for single handed operation you will not have as much
feedback as a smaller vessel does when it becomes overpowered. Small light vessels or a
monohull heel significantly which naturally depowers bleeding wind and signals you to sheet
out. This catamaran remains extremely stable so too much sail area or sheet in the wrong
conditions can easily damage equipment and put you in danger.
Mainsail
Jib
Screacher
Spinnaker
4.1 REEFING
Reefing is the practice of reducing sail area in higher winds. Reefing protects equipment, less
area less force, Increases safety and comfort by lowering the center of gravity. Contrary to
popular belief reefing does not automatically reduce boat speed. The dynamics of the
conditions and design variables limit the maximum speed of the hull and therefore the power it
can convert. If you are overpowered, reefing will reduce the power to its natural limit and with
a lower center of gravity stabilize the vessel which reduces the pitching/rolling effect that can
act as a brake on boatspeed.
The below figures indicate reef requirements intended for safe cruising. The captains
experience and the sea-state should also be taken into account to drive any tuning decision.
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