{"id":16522,"date":"2026-06-04T13:44:24","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/?p=16522"},"modified":"2026-06-04T13:50:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:50:03","slug":"multihull-sail-handling-the-screecher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/about-sails\/multihull-sail-handling-the-screecher\/","title":{"rendered":"Multihull Sailing: How to Handle a Screecher Sail on a Catamaran"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe title=\"Screecher sail 101\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3BIsVtvJcQg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Handling a Screecher on a multihull is basically straightforward but does require some thought and coordination as <strong>the sail\u2019s size generates serious loads and a lot of power<\/strong>. The sail will significantly boost performance, but care must be taken not to overpower the boat.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">What Kind of Sail it is: Differences to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/our-sails\/multihull-sails\/headsail\/\">Genoa<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/our-sails\/downwind\/code-zero\/\">Code Zero<\/a><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\">A Screecher<b> <\/b>is a versatile multihull sail. It is something of a cross between a large, light-wind Genoa and a Code-type reaching sail. It is designed with a <strong>fuller profile than the Genoa but flatter than the Code sail<\/strong>. It is typically flown from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/news\/fitting-a-new-inner-forestay-and-gennaker-bowsprit\/\"><strong>bowsprit<\/strong><\/a> and either uses an <strong>anti-torque luff cable for furling<\/strong> or is set from a permanently installed furler. The Screecher is especially useful for cats who often have <strong>only very small fractional jibs<\/strong> that are fine for upwind work in a breeze but not so effective when on a reach.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-5.jpeg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16527 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-5-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"When to use a Screecher\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-5-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-5-500x281.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-5-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-5-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-5.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">When Can it be Used?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\">Up to around <strong>20 knots of apparent wind<\/strong>. Remember that the apparent wind increases quickly as the Sreecher is set and the multihull accelerates. The YouTube vlogger and sailor <strong>Sam Holmes<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@samholmessailing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@sam holmes sailing<\/a>) uses a Rolly Tasker Screecher on his cruising catamaran and reports: <strong>\u201cWe use it for anything outside of close hauled or running. Approximately 45 to 140 degrees off the wind in 3 to 18 knots apparent. It lets us get moving in very light winds and makes great speed in moderate breeze.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-6.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-16528\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-6-1024x471.jpg\" alt=\"Sailing angles (45 to 140 degrees off the wind)\" width=\"800\" height=\"368\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-6-1024x471.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-6-500x230.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-6-768x354.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-6-1536x707.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-6.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">The Screecher Set-Up<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\">The Screecher is usually tacked to a <strong>bowsprit<\/strong> or a dedicated <strong>tack point at the bow<\/strong>. The <strong>tack line<\/strong> must be strong and adjustable to <strong>handle the loads<\/strong> which are considerable. The bowsprit and its attachments also have to take heavy loads. <strong>Inspect them regularly for wear or damage<\/strong>. Accordingly, also ensure that all lines, blocks, and fittings are sufficient for the loads.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-1.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16523 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-1-1024x578.jpeg\" alt=\"Catamaran Bowsprit setup\" width=\"800\" height=\"452\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-1-1024x578.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-1-500x282.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-1-768x433.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-1-1536x866.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-1.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Hoisting and Trimming the Screecher<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\">Ensure that the <strong>halyard, sheets<\/strong>, and <strong>furling line<\/strong> are ready.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">The<strong> bowsprit must be extended and secured<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cleat off the continuous furling line<\/strong> before hoisting so it does not unfurl accidentally.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">The Screecher is ideally <strong>hoisted while it is still fully furled<\/strong> and the boat is on a broad reach or downwind. It is best to <strong>set the Screecher with the mainsail<\/strong>, the main not only provides much drive but also a wind shadow for unfurling or furling the Screecher.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><strong>As the sail fills<\/strong>, avoid sudden loads on the sheets, easing them when unfurling and <strong>only trimming them once the sail is fully unfurled<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><strong>As speed increases<\/strong>, the apparent wind will move forward and the sail will have to be <strong>sheeted in<\/strong> accordingly.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">The <strong>twist is controlled<\/strong> by <strong>adjusting the sheet lead and halyard tension<\/strong>. Too much twist can reduce power, while too little can cause excessive loads.<br \/>\nThe correct halyard tension is also important for smooth furling. This will be found after a few times furling and unfurling the sail.<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\"><strong>When gybing<\/strong>, best <strong>furl the sail fully<\/strong>, then gybe the boat and unfurl the Screecher on the new tack<strong> to avoid wraps around the forestay<\/strong> or rigging.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-7.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16529 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-7-1024x571.jpeg\" alt=\"Light wind sailing catamaran\" width=\"800\" height=\"446\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-7-1024x571.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-7-500x279.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-7-768x428.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-7.jpeg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Retrieving the Screecher<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"p2\"><strong>Bear off<\/strong> for easier furling, in the <strong>wind-shadow of the mainsail<\/strong> (as one would also do with a Genoa).<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">Once fully furled, take down the Screecher and stow below decks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16526\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16526\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-4.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16526 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-4-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Screecher wind range (3\u201320 knots apparent wind)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-4-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-4-500x281.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-4-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-4-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-4.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16526\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Screecher wind range (3\u201320 knots apparent wind)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Stowing the Screecher<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\">Always stow the sail in a <strong>dry locker and out of the sun<\/strong>. <strong>Do not leave it up furled<\/strong>, which only causes <strong>windage<\/strong> and weight up front. More important, the sail might not be furled tight over its full length, with the <strong>risk of at least partial unfurling by itself<\/strong>, usually in a gust at the most critical moment. Furling really is to make setting and retrieving so much easier.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-3.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-16525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-3-1024x578.jpeg\" alt=\"Hoisting a Screecher\" width=\"800\" height=\"452\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-3-1024x578.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-3-500x282.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-3-768x434.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-3-1536x867.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/multihull-sail-handling-screecher-3.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Summary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\">The Screecher is a popular choice for multihulls due to its <strong>adaptability across a range of wind angles and conditions<\/strong>, offering both <strong>performance and ease of handling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">The sail will be designed in radial cut and be made either of high-quality Dacron or a specialised laminate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You want to know how much it costs?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/get-a-quote\/\">Get a quote<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Screecher is a powerful and versatile sail for multihulls, ideal for reaching and light to moderate winds. Learn when to use it, how to handle it safely, and how to get the most performance out of your catamaran.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":16530,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,36],"tags":[40,46],"class_list":["post-16522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-sails","category-multihull","tag-screecher","tag-video"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16522","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16522"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16522\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16532,"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16522\/revisions\/16532"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rollytasker.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}