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 away, offshore sailing requires a self-sufficient setup that balances performance, durability, and safety.
At Kraken Sails, we understand that outfitting a large catamaran for bluewater cruising is a significant investment. Catamarans have unique sailing characteristics—they don’t heel to spill wind like monohulls, meaning the sails and rigging bear the full force of the wind. Therefore, your sail inventory must be robust, versatile, and easy to handle short-handed. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the essential sails you need for a successful and safe offshore passage.
The Core Sails: Your Engine Room
The foundation of any bluewater catamaran sail inventory consists of the mainsail and the primary headsail. These are the sails you will rely on for the majority of your passage-making.
The Mainsail
The mainsail is the powerhouse of a cruising catamaran. Because catamarans lack a backstay, they can accommodate a large roach or a square-top mainsail, which significantly increases the sail area and aerodynamic efficiency.
For bluewater cruising, durability and ease of handling are paramount. A fully battened mainsail is essential, as the battens support the large roach, reduce flogging, and make the sail easier to drop into a stack pack or lazy bag. When sailing offshore, you must be prepared for heavy weather. Therefore, your mainsail should be equipped with at least three deep reefing points. This allows you to incrementally reduce sail area as the wind builds, keeping the boat safe and comfortable.
The Primary Headsail: Genoa or Jib
The choice between a genoa and a jib often depends on your catamaran’s design and rig. Many modern cruising catamarans feature a self-tacking jib. This setup is incredibly convenient for short-handed crews, as tacking simply involves turning the wheel without touching a sheet. However, self-tacking jibs are relatively small and can lack power in lighter winds or when sailing off the wind.
An overlapping genoa offers more power and versatility across a wider range of wind angles, but it requires more effort to tack. Regardless of which primary headsail you choose, it should be mounted on a reliable roller furling system and constructed from heavy-duty, UV-resistant materials designed to withstand the rigours of the open ocean. A UV cover on the leech and foot is non-negotiable to protect the rolled sail from the harsh tropical sun.
Downwind Options: Chasing the Trades
Bluewater cruising often involves long passages downwind in the trade winds. Catamarans are fantastic downwind boats, but their wide beam and lack of heeling mean they can easily outrun their apparent wind. To keep moving efficiently, you need specialized downwind sails.
The Code Zero
A Code Zero is a highly versatile, flat-cut asymmetrical spinnaker or large genoa that is flown from a continuous line furler on the bowsprit. It is the perfect sail for light air reaching and can even be used effectively upwind in very light conditions. For a cruising catamaran, a Code Zero is often the most used sail in the inventory after the main and primary headsail. It provides the necessary horsepower to keep the boat moving when the wind drops, preventing you from having to turn on the engines.
The Asymmetrical Spinnaker
For deeper downwind angles, an asymmetrical spinnaker is essential. Flown from the bowsprit, this large, colourful sail provides massive pulling power. For short-handed bluewater crews, we recommend setting the asymmetrical spinnaker in a top-down furler or a dousing sock (snuffer). These systems make hoisting and dropping the sail much safer and more manageable, even in building breezes.
Storm Sails: Safety First
When heading offshore, you must be prepared for the worst. While modern weather forecasting is excellent, unexpected squalls and severe storms can still catch you out. Having dedicated storm sails is a critical safety requirement for any bluewater catamaran.
The Storm Jib
A storm jib is a small, heavily constructed sail designed to be flown in gale-force winds. It keeps the bow pointing in the right direction and provides just enough drive to maintain steerage without overpowering the boat. Ideally, your catamaran should have a dedicated inner forestay (often removable) to hoist the storm jib, keeping the center of effort low and close to the mast.
Trysail vs. Deep Reefs
A storm trysail is a small, extremely strong sail hoisted on the mast in place of the mainsail during severe weather. While a trysail is the ultimate heavy-weather solution, many cruising catamarans rely on a very deep third or fourth reef in the mainsail instead. Setting a trysail in a howling gale can be dangerous and difficult for a short-handed crew. A well-designed mainsail with deep reefs, constructed from premium offshore materials, is often a more practical solution for modern bluewater cruisers.
The Importance of Redundancy and Durability
When you are thousands of nautical miles from the nearest sail loft, durability is your best friend. At Kraken Sails, we cannot overstate the importance of choosing the right materials and construction methods for your bluewater inventory. Whether you opt for premium Dacron, woven Dyneema, or offshore-grade laminates, the sails must be built with reinforced corners, heavy-duty stitching, and robust hardware.
Furthermore, redundancy is key. Having a versatile inventory means that if one sail is damaged, you have another option to keep the boat moving safely. For example, if your primary furling headsail fails, having a hank-on staysail or a Code Zero can be a lifesaver.
Conclusion
Building the perfect bluewater sail inventory for your catamaran is a balancing act between performance, ease of handling, and ultimate durability. By equipping your vessel with a robust mainsail, a versatile primary headsail, efficient downwind options, and essential storm sails, you will be well-prepared to tackle the world’s oceans.
In the next post of this series, we will dive deep into the materials that make these sails possible, comparing premium Dacron with modern cruising laminates to help you make the best choice for your offshore adventure. If you are ready to discuss your catamaran’s sail inventory, contact the team at Kraken Sails today for expert advice and a custom quote.
Kraken Sails – Engineered for the Ocean.