Sails for the Modern Cruising Multihull
November 1, 2017
Modern cruising catamarans and trimarans have unique requirements in terms of sail design and construction. The reason for this stems from the stability provided by
Modern cruising catamarans and trimarans have unique requirements in terms of sail design and construction. The reason for this stems from the stability provided by
The French obsession with long-distance sailing, whether solo or fully crewed, has long been a phenomenon of superlatives. But even those superlatives pale in comparison
Multihulls are famously stable. But the fact that they don’t heel also means their rigs carry higher loads. Unlike a monohull rig, a multihull rig must stand up to gusts and changes in wind direction.
Energy self-sufficiency been a dream of mine since I first started cruising in small sail boats. In fact, it was the sole reason I chose
The defining feature of most modern multihulls is a large, robustly built mainsail, typically with full battens and a dramatic roach. The sails are cut
The story behind the evolution of today’s offshore multihulls is a colorful one, with more than its share of twists and turns. In this excerpt
The French love affair with multihulls proved contagious at the 5th edition of the Salon International Du Multicoques at La Grande-Motte. This popular Mediterranean resort and port, built during the 1960s and ’70s, has been described by architects as Frank Lloyd Wright meets the Aztecs and Monsieur Hulot on designer drugs.
You’re trying to decide the best way to rig your new multihull, or you want to replace the original rigging with something more up-to-date. There are a lot of rigging technologies available these days, but are they affordable and cost-effective? We spoke with two pro riggers in New England to get a handle on the latest and most sensible standing-rigging options
When pushed, even sailmakers will admit that, more than fancy new sails, a low-drag prop is the most effective way to improve a cruising boat’s performance.
The British speed sailing boat Sailrocket has set a new world record, before self-destructing in spectacular fashion.Helmed by Australian Paul Larsen, the lightweight flier hit peak speeds of 52 knots in only 22 knots of wind and averaged 47.36 knots over the 500 meter course to set a new Class B speed record.On its next run, the boat came unstuck at 50 knots-plus and was
The risk of going overboard—and how you brief it—depends entirely on context. Mia and I were at a wedding recently in England. The bride and
There’s no straight path to boat ownership. Charter in the meantime.
This week marks the one year count down to the start of the next Ocean Race.
The Sea Tow Foundation’s 2026 life jacket loaner program is getting underway.
A cruising family revels in two seasons
of exploration in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Edson will be starting 2026 with a fresh look at the future.
If you’re not going out after dark, you’re missing out on magic.
The Clipper Round the World race has announced an exciting update for the 2027 season: they will be replacing their fleet with the Clipper RX,
Routing isn’t a perfect science. Here’s what you can do to help.
The discovery of a treasure trove of old family letters uncovers an incredible true story from the Age of Sail.
