Mizzen staysail.

[Allan]

I've heard a number of people mention how good a mizzen staysail can be. As I hope to buy a ketch soon, I'm interested to learn more. In particular what points of sail is it used for? I'm also interested in how much extra gear is needed to fit one. I assume they are used mostly in light airs so can be made of quite light material, is this correct?
Allan

 

[jamesjermain]

A mizzen staysail can be a useful sail but it depends on how tall your mizzen mast is - obviously the taller the better. Don't expect too much from it though.

The staysail works with wind from about 60 degrees off the bow (apparent) round to a broad reach, Dead down wind it collapses and blankets the main and genoa.

To set the sail you need a halyard on the forward side of the top of the mizzen, a sheet turning block probably on the quarter and a securing point for the tack pennant preferably on the windward side deck or amidships if that is easier. It should be about in line with the foot of the mainmast. To tack or gybe the sail has to be taken down.

Some people think the sail is a waste of time because it can take a bit of setting up and you wouldn't want to mess around with in for a 10 minute run accross the SOlent. But on long passasges it can add significantly to your speed and, if nothing else, it looks pretty.

Oh! One other thing - don't make it of too light cloth. You can use it in quite moderate winds - really any conditions when you would be happy to fly a cruising chute - say up to 15 knots true wind speed

 

[michael_w]

It's a useful sail. Sets best if you can sheet it via the mizzen boom end. Tack well to weather for best results.

My father's boat had one and we found that when sailing deep is was best to drop the mizzen sail. The staysail was a much larger sail than the mizzen itself.

 

[billiew]

As James has said don't expect too much from it but if you get a ketch you wont want to be without one.I reckon mine adds about a half a knot on average,sometimes more but yes its only a sail for a reach.I usually tack mine off on the windward shroud u bolts and the sheet goes to a block at end of the mizzen boom.

 

[FWB]

You could try a Fishermans Staysail. It's very powerful and you can leave it set even when tacking and gybing. The link is a short video, I couldnt see how to take a snapshot of it!

 

[choppy]

Sir A.Rose rated his - in fact I think thats what his mizzen was for.

 

[Twister_Ken]

You know you want one!

Actually, that's a schooner, norra ketch, but I guess it's still a staysail???

 

[michael_w]

Nahh!

It's a Gollywobbler!

 

[Travelmate]

Have used one on a number of days when travelling across the Indian ocean. Best when the wind if about 70 from the bow to about 135 deg. Ours is 2.25 ounce and works a treat. Use it with the mizzen up. On a downwind run we hoist it up forward on the opposite side to the MPS and get a great ride. Our yacht is an Aphrodite 42 ketch that serves us well.