Hi, I'm still getting used to the furling main on my 44 DS. The short version of my question is can I furl in the main while running down wind? Or how much wind is too much to do this?
So, wind from behind was slowing building all afternoon, then pretty quickly (and not forecast) went from 15 to 18 and eventually 25 kts. I went from loving it at 15 to wanting to get the sails reefed pretty quickly. Getting the jib in was no problem. All my previous experience said to head up into the wind to reef the main. Was not fun seeing 25 kts on the beam with the full main up as we came around (with motor running) but the boat handled it fine. (Wife was less impressed).
So, could I take the load out of the sail by centering it and running dead down wind and furl in the main that way?
Other suggestions for that situation?
Thanks!
So, wind from behind was slowing building all afternoon, then pretty quickly (and not forecast) went from 15 to 18 and eventually 25 kts. I went from loving it at 15 to wanting to get the sails reefed pretty quickly. Getting the jib in was no problem. All my previous experience said to head up into the wind to reef the main. Was not fun seeing 25 kts on the beam with the full main up as we came around (with motor running) but the boat handled it fine. (Wife was less impressed).
So, could I take the load out of the sail by centering it and running dead down wind and furl in the main that way?
Other suggestions for that situation?
Thanks!