Removing Mainsail from In-Mast Furler

[SDcondogirl]

Hi All!
I'm new at my "big Bene" and need a little help getting the mainsail out for storage this winter. When I bought her, the previous owner and I put the sail on (in), however, I have forgotten how we did it in order to undo it! I would appreciate any advice. I have an Oceanis 321 (1998).
Thanks so much!

 

[jerry]

With the bow into the wind, roll out the main with the outhaul. Find the main halyard and uncleat it while holding on to it to control the sail and lower the sail WHILE removing the bottom of the luff from the slot as the sail is lowered. Remove battens if you have them either on the way down or later after the sail is down. Remove the clew from the outhaul. Fold and bag. Usuallly I have someone else on the tail of the main halyard while I remove the luff from the mast slot.
Hope this helps.

Oops, I forgot to mention to remove the tack attachment when pressure is released on the halyard. Mine is a sewn loop on a S hook.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Jerry's steps are what we do too. Only thing I'd add is to stuff some rags around the furler mechanism in a place where they might catch the various tools and screws that you accidentally drop down the mast. Not that there are any Allen wrenches at the base of my mast or anything.

 

[dehler25]

Make CERTAIN that you tie the halyard down or you will find it at the top of the mast come spring.

 

[Franklin]

I like to attach a downhaul line to the halyard, then raise the halyard about halfway and then pull the downhaul tight and tie off as far aft as you can. This stops the clanging of the furling bar.