Independent guide: Converting a sloop to a cutter is a structural change. Involve a rigger or designer.

Quick answer

A cutter rig carries two headsails: a yankee or genoa on the forestay and a staysail on an inner forestay. It splits sail area into smaller, easier sails and gives a ready heavy-weather option, which is why it is popular for bluewater cruising. The inner forestay needs a strong mast attachment, a deck fitting tied into the hull, and usually running backstays.

Cutter, Solent or sloop?

Rig Headsails Typical use
Sloop One on the forestay Most production cruisers
Cutter Yankee + staysail on inner forestay Offshore cruising
Solent Genoa or small jib on a stay just aft of the forestay (one at a time) Heavy-weather option

Components to inspect

  • inner forestay tang on the mast
  • deck fitting and its tie-rod to the hull
  • running backstays, blocks and winches
  • staysail furler or hanks
  • the forestay as usual

Converting a sloop

See rig modifications. The key questions are the mast section's capacity, the deck and hull structure, and whether runners are acceptable for your crew.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a cutter and a Solent rig?

A cutter has an inner forestay set well aft of the main forestay, carrying a staysail that can be flown at the same time as the headsail. A Solent stay sits just behind the forestay and is used for a smaller headsail instead of, not with, the main headsail, usually for heavy weather.

Does a cutter rig need running backstays?

Often. An inner forestay pulls the mast forward at a point below the masthead; running backstays or other support counter that load. Whether they are needed depends on the mast section, the attachment height and the designer's intentions.