Unfurling the Main
Alan On our 356 we like to be on a stbd tack which helps roll out the sail. Release the clutches on both sides of continuous loop and on the outhaul. Place the outhaul on the winch and start to pull it out, You only need to take up the slack on the continuous loop that forms at the base of the mast as you pull on the outhaul. There should be no real tension on the continuous loop. As the sail starts to catch the wind it will actually start to unfurl itself. We like to let in unfurl until we get a deep belly in the sail, close the continuous loop cluch and tighten the outhaul until the sail is flat. Then release the continuous loop clutch, let the sail unfurl some more and repeat the process over until it is fully unfurled. If there is a lot of wind you probably want to release the main sheet while you are unfurling. To furl it. you should again be on stbd tack to position the sail to furl counter clockwise in the mast. Put one end of the continuous loop on the winch, and slowly ease the outhaul. The sail will belly out some and as you winch the continuous loop the sail will wind into the mast. Make sure that you kep a tight leech when furling to help the sail roll in cleanly. Once you get the hang of it, you will love it
