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Staysails on cat ketchs & cat schooners

Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 10:25 am
by Teke's Pride
I'm looking to move up from my F21 in the next 3-5 years to a liveaboard double masted Freedom. I also plan to club race her on the weekends. So, I have a few racing related questions concerning the mizzen staysail...

Do any of you use the staysail while racing?
Can the staysail be used for reaching or is it strictly a down wind sail?
Does the staysail place you in the spinnaker fleet?
How does the staysail effect your PHRF rating?

Re: Staysails on cat ketchs & cat schooners

Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 3:50 pm
by ketch22
I own Freedom Express Ketch 22, hull # 22. If you follow this link ( http://www.ketch-22.com/ ) you'll find an image of Ketch 22 sailing in SF Bay with her staysail flying.

I used the staysail in the Pacific Cup race (SF to Kaneohe Bay) in 2004. In the F39, you can't tack the main without dropping the staysail. Thus the staysail is most effective in long reaches (beam to broad). I estimate that under the right conditions, it adds maybe 1/2 knot to boat speed.

Not sure about the spinnaker class. I raced under PHRF rules to Hawaii and I don't remember being in a spinnaker class or being penalized as a result of using the staysail - but it was a long time ago... Since then, I've been cruising and use the staysail when appropriate.

tm

Re: Staysails on cat ketchs & cat schooners

Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2015 9:34 pm
by Teke's Pride
Thanks, TM. Some nice photos on the link! I like the 39 express ketch and pilothouse schooner but with their > 5' draft, I've pretty much eliminated them from my list of future homes, as I live on a Tennessee River lake. When I get around to buying it will be a 33 or 40 with a keel centerboard hull.