The Power of the High Roach: Catamaran Mainsail Design Explained
Introduction If you look at a fleet of monohulls and then look at a fleet of catamarans, one of the most obvious differences is the shape of the mainsail. While monohulls typically feature a triangular mainsail with a relatively straight leech (back edge), catamarans almost universally sport a “high roach” profile, where the leech curves […]
The Silent Killer: Choosing the Best UV Protection for Your Sails
Introduction When preparing a large catamaran for bluewater cruising, we often obsess over the strength of the sailcloth and the engineering of the seams. However, the greatest threat to your sails does not come from gale-force winds or crashing waves; it comes from the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) degradation is the silent killer of sails. Over […]
Cross-Cut vs. Radial Sails: Which is Best for Your Catamaran?
Introduction When ordering new sails for your bluewater catamaran, you will inevitably encounter the terms “cross-cut” and “radial” (or tri-radial). These terms refer to how the panels of sailcloth are cut and sewn together to form the three-dimensional shape of the sail. The construction method you choose is just as important as the material itself. […]
Woven Dyneema: The Holy Grail of Bluewater Catamaran Sails
Introduction In the quest for the perfect bluewater cruising sail, catamaran owners are often forced to compromise. Traditional Dacron offers unmatched durability but stretches over time, while modern laminates provide incredible shape retention but are susceptible to delamination and mildew in harsh offshore environments. What if there was a material that combined the best of […]
Dacron vs. Laminates: Choosing the Right Sail Material for Your Catamaran
Introduction When outfitting a large catamaran for bluewater cruising, one of the most significant decisions you will make is choosing the right sail material. The fabric you select will dictate not only the cost of your sails but also their performance, longevity, and how they handle the immense loads generated by a multihull. At Kraken […]
The Ultimate Bluewater Catamaran Sail Inventory Guide
Introduction Setting off on a bluewater cruising adventure aboard a large catamaran is the dream of a lifetime. The open ocean offers unparalleled freedom, but it also demands respect and preparation. One of the most critical aspects of your preparation is your sail inventory. Unlike coastal hopping, where a marina is always a few hours […]
Why Large Catamarans Favour Cross Cut Sails: The Ultimate Test of Durability
Why Large Catamarans Favour Cross Cut Sails: The Ultimate Test of Durability When you walk the docks of any major cruising hub and look at the booms of large, bluewater catamarans, you will notice a recurring theme: massive, fully battened cross cut mainsails. In an era where high-tech laminates and radial cuts dominate the racing […]
The Offshore Cruiser’s Guide to Mainsail Battens: Why Full-Length Beats Leech Battens for Circumnavigators
The Offshore Cruiser’s Guide to Mainsail Battens: Why Full-Length Beats Leech Battens for Circumnavigators When you are fitting out a yacht for a circumnavigation or extended offshore voyaging, every piece of gear is scrutinised through a singular lens: reliability. Out on the open ocean, thousands of miles from the nearest sail loft, your equipment simply […]
The Ultimate Guide to Mainsail Battens: Why Full-Length Beats Leech Battens
The Ultimate Guide to Mainsail Battens: Why Full-Length Beats Leech Battens When it comes to configuring a new mainsail, one of the most critical decisions you will make is choosing the right batten configuration. The debate between full-length battens and traditional leech battens (also known as partial battens) is a common one among sailors. While […]