Watch this step-by-step video guide for visual learners:
The Gale Catcher is an advanced boat facility in OSRS Sailing that stores up to three wind motes generated while sailing. It's the upgraded version of the Wind Catcher, offering 50% more storage capacity.
When you trim your sails while sailing (which happens every 60 seconds), instead of immediately using the speed boost, the Gale Catcher stores it as a mote. You can then release these stored motes on command whenever you need a burst of speed.
Not boostable
Not boostable
From Anglers' Retreat
From Jubbly Jive Trial
Though you can build this with a temporary Construction boost, you cannot use the Gale Catcher without 79 Sailing (unboosted).
Getting the schematic is a two-island treasure hunt. Here's the complete step-by-step guide:
Location: Island in the eastern sea
Requirement: 47 Sailing to disembark
The Onyx Crest is a gemstone mining island. You'll need to find the dig spot for the key.
Exact location: West of the centre gem rock
What you get: Small key (the onyx crest)
Look for a specific tile near the central gem rock formation. Use a spade to dig.
Location: Fishing island in the southeast
Requirement: 51 Sailing to disembark
This is a fishing hub island. The lockbox is on the main island.
Location: East of the docks on Anglers' Retreat
Use: Small key (the onyx crest)
Reward: Gale Catcher Schematic
When you first attempt to open it, you'll receive "lockbox directions (anglers' retreat)" for reference.
Once obtained, right-click the schematic and select "Read"
The schematic will be consumed and you'll permanently unlock the ability to build Gale Catchers. It will say: "You read the schematic. It details how to build gale catchers on boats. You take in everything the schematic covers and then discard it."
Both facilities serve the same purpose but with different capacities. Here's a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Wind Catcher | Gale Catcher |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing Level | 53 | 79 (+26 levels) |
| Construction Level | 47 | 70 (+23 levels) |
| Mote Storage | 2 motes | 3 motes (+50%) |
| Schematic Location | Automatic (no schematic) | Anglers' Retreat lockbox |
| Captured Wind Mote | 1 required | 1 required |
| XP per Released Mote | 40 XP | 150 XP (+275%!) |
| Building Cost | ~95k GP | ~220k GP |
| Construction XP | 1,517 XP | 1,517 XP (same) |
| Best For | Mid-level training | High-level efficiency |
The biggest advantage of Gale Catcher isn't just the extra mote storage—it's the 275% XP boost per released mote! This makes it significantly better for training efficiency once you're high level.
| Material | Quantity | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Camphor plank | 4 | 8,176 GP |
| Adamantite nails | 16 | 2,224 GP |
| Adamantite bar | 8 | 15,272 GP |
| Cupronickel bar | 4 | 1,336 GP |
| Air rune | 2,500 | 125,000 GP |
| Captured wind mote | 1 | N/A (Quest reward) |
| Swift albatross feather | 5 | 67,015 GP |
| Total Cost | ~219k GP | |
The Captured Wind Mote is required for both Wind Catcher and Gale Catcher. Here's how to get it:
1. Mote Generation: Every 60 seconds while sailing, a gust of wind appears around your sails. When you trim the sails:
2. Using Stored Motes:
3. Crystal Extractor Synergy:
Store 3 motes before starting. Release them strategically during tight turns or difficult sections to maintain speed and improve your time.
When sailing to far islands, store motes during the journey then release all 3 at once for a massive speed burst when needed.
Save motes for tactical positioning. Release them to quickly close distance to enemies or escape dangerous situations.
With Crystal Extractor, you can passively generate motes. Store them up, then release all 3 for an instant 450 XP (3 × 150 XP).
| Scenario | Wind Catcher XP | Gale Catcher XP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour of sailing (60 trims) | 2,400 XP (40 × 60) | 9,000 XP (150 × 60) | +6,600 XP/hr |
| Release all stored motes | 80 XP (2 motes) | 450 XP (3 motes) | +370 XP |
| With Crystal Extractor (1hr) | 2,400 XP + 600 = 3k | 9,000 XP + 600 = 9.6k | +6,600 XP/hr |
Investment: ~220k GP + time to get schematic
Return: +6,600 XP per hour of active sailing
Break-even point: After ~15 hours of use (vs Wind Catcher)
Verdict: If you're serious about reaching 99 Sailing efficiently, the Gale Catcher pays for itself quickly through the XP gains.
Use our interactive calculator to plan your entire path to 99 Sailing!
Try Our XP Calculator →No, they occupy the same facility slot. You can only have one wind-catching facility at a time. If you build Gale Catcher, it replaces your Wind Catcher.
Yes, the Captured Wind Mote is consumed when building either Wind Catcher or Gale Catcher. However, if you destroy the facility later, you can get another mote for free from Gurtob in Backwater.
No! Unlike the Crystal Extractor, the Gale Catcher can be operated from anywhere on your ship through the Sailing interface. Place it wherever you have an open facility hotspot.
All stored motes are lost. Make sure to release them before removing the Gale Catcher from your ship.
Yes, you can use a Construction boost to reach 70 Construction for building. However, you cannot boost Sailing to reach 79 - it must be your actual level to use the facility.
Yes, but you'll need to return to the lockbox on Anglers' Retreat. You'll need the small key from Onyx Crest again.
Yes! Crystal Extractor generates wind motes every 60 seconds, and these can be stored in your Gale Catcher. This synergy makes both facilities extremely powerful together.
Trimming sails gives halved XP when you have a catcher active. But when you release a stored mote from Gale Catcher, you get 150 Sailing XP (vs Wind Catcher's 40 XP). This makes it much better overall.
If you're 79+ Sailing and plan to continue training, absolutely yes. The +275% XP per released mote makes a huge difference. The 220k GP investment pays for itself quickly through XP efficiency.
No, this is a solo treasure hunt. However, you can tell friends the dig location and lockbox location to help them save time.
