Reefing mainsail as the wind picks up with Selden in-mast furler and B&R rig

[HarryvdMeer]

When I need to furl the main as the wind picks up, my current routine is quite involved:
1. Head down wind to blanket the jib and furl it in completely
2. Start the motor and head into the wind
3. Center the traveler
4. Tighten the boomvang
5. Free the main sheet
6. Free the outhaul
7. Furl the main
8. Tighten outhaul
9. Head into the original course and start sailing
10. Shut down engine
11. Unfurl jib

This is quite a process. Due to the back swept spreaders of the B&R rig I don’t seem to be able to take the pressure off the main by sailing close haul, or beam reach on the jib alone so that I can furl in the main as it will be pressed against the spreaders. I don’t like to use the winch to furl in the main as I am too afraid to damage sail or furling system.

Any advise or suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks - Harry

2004 Hunter 44 DS with B&R rig and Selden furling mast.

 

[Georgedoyle]

Flattening the main only works if you have a newish sail that hasn't stretched out in the middle. We had similar problems until we got a new radial cut main. Now we can take the pressure off by tightening the outhaul. It’s still better to reef early, though, since the main is so big. It will slow you down for a bit, but it beats the multi-step process you're using now.

 

[drm1]

We tend to reef early. Makes things a lot safer and a lot less involved.

of course it’s not always possible if the wind suddenly increases. In that case we do pretty much what you described aside from starting the motor, centering the traveller and tightening the vang

 

[HarryvdMeer]

Thank you both for your helpful comments. A few days ago I had the perfect conditions to practice furling the mainsail while sailing: Winds increased from 5 to 22 kts. With both full main and genny and on a close hauled SB tack, I successfully furled the main:
1. Traveler to port
2. Boomvang tight
3. Main sheet loose
4. Outhaul loose

Easy peasy. Could furl by hand, winch not required. Boat handled very well.

Thanks again - Harry

 

[drm1]

Glad it worked out Harry! And glad we could help

 

[sail sfbay]

That procedure is really complicated. Try this: trn th enne on, depower the sailboat by furling the jib in. Then head up on a slight starboard tack. Release the continuous line and with pull the furli in line in while keeping tension on the outhaul. Then pull the jib out and turn engine off.

Anticipate when to reef and reef early even teefing initially as you can always unfurl more sail, if you need it.