Furling the in mast - how to?

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Hello people,
this is not another post for comparing in mast with classic, neither a post to describe the advantages and disadvantages of in mast furling.
I would simply like to hear your technique (eg how you treat the outhaul, halyard, topping lift, etc) for proper furling (not reefing) the main sail.
Thanks

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

Hello people,
this is not another post for comparing in mast with classic, neither a post to describe the advantages and disadvantages of in mast furling.
I would simply like to hear your technique (eg how you treat the outhaul, halyard, topping lift, etc) for proper furling (not reefing) the main sail.
Thanks

I have the B393 with inmast furling. Either furling or unfurling, I point into the wind, ease off the main sheet and vang, and put a little back pressure on the lazy line.

The reason to ease sheet and vang is to let the boom rise and fall naturally according to the changing leech tension as the sail moves in or out. If there is too much down pressure on the boom, the sail can hang up due to too much pressure resulting on the leech. Some people argue about topping lift and boom angle, but that is not the issue. What I mention, above, takes care of it.

The reason for back pressure on a lazy furling line when hauling out, or the outhaul when furling, is to keep the sail from folding in on itself. Keeps things nice and tidy, and helps avoid jamming.

One last thing: maintain the drum, bearings, and everything else that moves and handles the furling line, outhaul, and boom car.

 

[Liam]

Keep the track and car on the boom nice and clean. Also, buy a can of McLube Sailcoat and spray the track and car on the boom a few times a year. That will help it move smoothly.

 

[Mike B]

Slow the boat, point into the wind, keep tension on the outhaul so it doesn't flog (or break) and roll in the main. Halyard tension is key as well. Too tight or loose and the main wont want to roll up properly. Although this is something that once it's set you wont need to touch it again unless you drop the main for a reason. I've also been tinkering with heaving to and then rolling in the main, then the genny. Not something I do if the wind is really cranking, but so far it works quite well.

 

[wflowe2]

I usually keep on a starboard tack and ease the main sheet just enough that the sail stays full but just barely full. This tension on the sail helps it roll tighter with fewer wrinkles. As with all things sailing, a lot has to do with the wind speed and type of furler. I have had both a Z spar double line system and a Seldin continuous loop system and with both, a slight starboard tack has helped. Also need to keep tension on the outhaul as you furl as well getting the halyard tension right. Once the halyard is right, you shouldn't have to readjust it very often. With the double line system, either a self tailing winch or three hands make life much easier, one hand to tail the furling line, one hand to crank the winch, and one hand to keep pressure on the outhaul.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

It's interesting so far to hear "point into the wind" from most of you.
I also have in mast furling but, honestly, during the last two years I am using it I never decided if it's better to point into the wind or keep some pressure in the sail. Both methods seem to work.
But the MOST important thing, is there any way to avoid creasings (I hope this is the correct word!) while rolling in? I always used to get a lot of them with my old sail. Now I have just bought a brand new one (Quantum) and would like to avoid it. I have used it only twice and I am not sure if I still get one or two.

 

[Sailm8]

The Selden manual http://www.seldenmast.com/frameset.cfm?id=5564&randnum=195685924 Suggests a starboard roll up.

 

[larryw]

I don't point straight into the wind, I put the boom on the port side, about 30 degrees off CL, and point that into the wind, cause the sail moves into the slot better when its slightly off-center, and the rest of the tecnique is the same.

 

[Mike B]

To clarify when I had the 361 I too kept some air in the main to help control it while furling. As it was a battenless main it was easy to do. Now we have vertical battens and really have to keep the main loose in order to get the battens to furl into the mast slot. Not to mention the new sail is much larger and harder to manage.