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My boat came stock with a %110 jib which is all that is needed in moderate conditions but to provide good boat speed in light air, the 110 doesn't hold shape well and is too small.
My boat also has a roller furler so I decided to add a drifter - reacher to my sail inventory. It is a free flying %155 genoa made of spinnaker cloth and can be flown in winds to 7 mph. It is hauled by the jib halyard which is left free because the cdi furler has its own halyard. A pennant at the luff tack is used to downhaul thru a block at the stem with the line to the cockpit for adjustment under differant points of sail.
The sheets are 1/4" and run to small turning blocks at the base of the stern stanchions. The sail is managed very similar to a jib, crossing between forestay and mast.
The sail is easily set and doused single handed while running off wind and handing the sail in the lee of the main.
The sail shapes very well in the lightest of air and pulls the boat well. A drifter allows some creativity with colors and pattern.
If your boat needs a little more sail on light air days and even if you have a furling system, then a drifter may be a good choice.
It has been one of my boats better upgrades.
Arlyn Stewart Catalina 250 "R&R"
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