B331 - Hull speed at 15 knots; reefed at 20
Dragonfly is a 2003 Beneteau 331 with a furling main. I often hear discussions that the furling main looses a lot in performance. This has not been my experience. When she was new (clean bottom), we often hit theoretical hull speed (7.4 knots) or above (GPS) in 15 knot winds (true not apparent). Best GPS recorded 8.2 knot beam reach in consistent 15-18 knot winds. So I didn't think performance was too limited by furling main at or above 15 knots true. 15 knot true seems to be the reef point for us. Above 15 knots true, we are often reefed unless on a broad reach or run. The B331 and other Beneteaus I've sailed with the wide stern likes to be sailed upright. On a close haul we may have the main rolled in about a third and the 145 genoa rolled in about 2 ft. and can maintain a consistent 7+ knots in 18-20 knot winds. At 20 knots true, we reef the main in half way...to the traveler...and genoa in about 6 ft. In light air, we maybe losing a little in performance. However, I've found the lose in sail area is gained in the ease of adjusting the outhaul...trimming like a loose footed classic main. In 10 knot winds, easing the outhaul will give a jump in performance. A Tartan 37 owner bought a loose footed main after sailing with us and realizing the benefit. Like any system, I have to experiment and learn the system. Dragonfly is the only boat I've sailed with a furling main. I won't claim to be expert, just a good basic sailor. I've sailed other 22-45 ft boats ... some on the Great Lakes and BVI. I haven't had problems with the furling jaming, although I've had problems with the furling drum getting stiff and tight. Replacing the inhaul line took care of that. I'm probably on the conservative side although we have won our share of races. We reef early, reef deep and don't worry about getting the mazimum out of our boat. We sail for fun. For example, I recall a sail last summer with 15 knot winds. We were sailing close hauled along with other boats. A squal line was on the horizon. We decided to reef and pulled in the main half way...as we tacked...never missed a beat. Most of the others kept their mail full until the 25+ knot front hit, then were scrambling on deck to reef in the storm. 20 minutes later the front was through and the wind down to 12-15 knots. We released the inhaul and unfurled the main. Bottom line, I've read of the concerns with a furling main. I wouldn't spend $5,000 to change from a classic to a furling. I don't know if we'll have a furling main on our next boat. If we are retiring to sail the Carribean, it will probably be with a classic mail. If we stay on Mark Twain Lake, it may be a furling main.
