Cutter jib: Perfect Balance and Performance on Any Type of Water

A cutter jib is the ideal headsail for those who take sailing performance seriously. Designed for cutter rigged boats, this sail offers excellent balance, control and efficiency - whether you're a weekend sailor or traversing world seas.

Due to its clever design, the cutter jib provides balanced sail handling and can be used in a variety of conditions, from calm waters to strong winds.

Cutter jib

The Benefits of a Cutter jib

1. Optimal Balance on Board
The cutter jib better distributes forces on board, making your sailboat more stable in response to course changes and wind gusts.

2. Higher Speed and Efficiency.
Because this headsail is more compact than a genoa, the sail behavior remains controlled even in increasing winds - without compromising speed.

3. More Control in Heavy Wind
The cutter jib prevents oversteering and provides a calm, predictable sailing feel, which is especially essential on long trips.

4. Flexible in Any Weather
Whether sailing close to shore or seeking the open sea, the cutter jib continues to perform. Its versatility makes it popular with both touring and departure sailors.

For whom is a Cutter jib Suitable?

A cutter jib is particularly suitable for ships with a cutter rig. This type of rig provides room for a second, smaller headsail set lower than the genoa. This allows you to maintain control and speed, especially downwind or in rough seas.

Don't have a cutterstay yet? Even then we are happy to look with you to see if your ship can be made suitable for this type of sail.

Bespoke Craftsmanship

At Zeilmakerij De Vries Maritiem, we fully design and manufacture cutter jibs based on:

  • Type and length of your ship
  • Water displacement
  • Rigging and sail handling
  • Your sailing style and sailing area

We use high-quality cloths from top suppliers such as Dimension-Polyant and Contender Sailcloth, and supply sails with options such as:

  • UV protection in color of your choice
  • Shapetape for shape retention
  • Stainless steel press sleeves and reinforcements
  • Leuvers or lufftape attachment

Quick Quote and Personalized Advice

At Zeilmakerij De Vries Maritiem we help you from design to assembly. We ensure a perfectly fitting sail with top performance. Request a quote today and experience for yourself why so many sailors choose our craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cutter jib

What exactly is a cutter jib?

A cutter jib is a compact headsail that is run on the cutter stay. It sits closer to the mast than a genoa and is smaller, so it performs better in strong winds and course changes.

What is the difference between a genoa and a cutter jib?

A genoa is larger and often extends beyond the mast, suitable for light winds. A cutter jib is smaller and ideal for balance and control in strong winds. Both can be combined in a cutter rig.

Can I use a cutter jib without a cutterstay?

This is technically possible, but not ideal. Power distribution and balance are then less efficient. Consider adding a cutterstay or opt for another custom sail solution.

What type of vessel is a cutter jib suitable for?

Especially for classic sailing ships, departure ships or cruising yachts sailing with a second stay (cutter stay). We are happy to advise based on your vessel.

What does a cutter jib cost?

The price varies depending on the type of cloth, finish and size. Simply request a free quote for an appropriate price indication.