Screacher versus spinnaker on 20' trimaran

Discussion in 'Multihulls' started by jedkins, Aug 17, 2007.

  1. jedkins
    Joined: Jul 2006
    Posts: 26
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    Location: phuket

    jedkins Junior Member

    I have a 20' trimaran and trying to make up my mind about a furling screacher versus a spinnaker . Ideally I would like to have a screacher on a bow sprite/prodder about 3' out from the bow. I would like to leave it in place virtually all the time but would like to understand more about the likely windage effect. Also what weight of sail cloth to go for, in the hope I can have something very light that might furl tighter and be less clumsy.
     
  2. PI Design
    Joined: Oct 2006
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    Location: England

    PI Design Senior Member

  3. Doug Lord

    Doug Lord Guest

    Screecher

    Don't worry about windage- Hydroptere set her most recent record with a furled headsail. The Rave hydrofoil carries a furled screecher.
    -------------
    edit: info-
    Gransegel multihull division
    Address:http://www.sailmaker.info/gennaker.html Changed:9:44 AM on Tuesday, November 21, 2006
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    Rolly tasker Sails Schreechers - spinnaker and reacher sail combination
    Address:http://www.sailsolutions.com.au/screechers.htm Changed:6:17 PM on Saturday, August 11, 2007
    ---------------
    Adding a Screecher to Your Catamaran
    Address:http://www.time-for-a-catamaran-adventure.com/catamaran-screecher.html Changed:4:25 AM on Wednesday, August 15, 2007
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 17, 2007
  4. Richard Woods
    Joined: Jun 2006
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    Location: Back full time in the UK

    Richard Woods Woods Designs

    You didn't say what trimaran you have, nor whether you normally race or cruise.

    The screecher is a very specialised sail. It can't normally be used in winds over 15 knots apparent, nor set efficiently with the wind aft of the beam.

    I always recommend people first buy a spinnaker (asymmetic or conventional) and later, and only if necessary, get a screecher.

    Last year I raced a F31 trimaran with a screecher. It was left up for the first lap and taken down for the second. We were noticeably faster on the second lap relative to other boats. Maybe 100 yards in 3 miles.

    If you roll the sail too tight you may damage the fabric.

    I would recommend contacting GM Sails in Australia as they are probably your nearest high quality and most knowledgeable multihull sailmakers.
     

  5. jedkins
    Joined: Jul 2006
    Posts: 26
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    Location: phuket

    jedkins Junior Member

    Thanks for input. I both race and cruise. Boat is a modified version of Kurt Hughes 20' Spitfire with bigger rig and convential tiller plus foot pedal steering option from rear seat. (building method is not CM - rather it is very similar to your Strider building method!)
     

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