When it's time to roll up the headsail or genoa what point of sail works best under different wind conditons (if it matters). I used to use a broad reach and let the main block the headsail but it's still difficult to get the roller furler started. Is it better to head into the wind, i.e. same approach for dropping the mainsail.
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Furling
The answer to your question probably depends a lot on the type of furler you have. Yet it seems to me that most furlers will be easier to operate (i.e., furl the sail), when you take the pressure off them by heading up wind. Try keeping light pressure on the sheets and the furling line, too.
The answer to your question probably depends a lot on the type of furler you have. Yet it seems to me that most furlers will be easier to operate (i.e., furl the sail), when you take the pressure off them by heading up wind. Try keeping light pressure on the sheets and the furling line, too.
Ease the sheets
I use a CDI on a C22. I can pretty much furl from any point of sail by simply easing the sheets and allowing the wind to spill. Even works when sailing downwind on a very broad reach.
I use a CDI on a C22. I can pretty much furl from any point of sail by simply easing the sheets and allowing the wind to spill. Even works when sailing downwind on a very broad reach.
Depends on the point of sail
First I reset the fairleads to a preset mark, THEN .... If Im into the wind, I simply head up a bit to relieve pressure then crank away. If Im with the wind, Ill open the main and bear more down wind to put the genoa into the wind-shadow of the main then crank away. I prefer to 'crank' the genoa in with a bit of tension on it so that I get as tight a furl/reef as possible. Hope this helps.
First I reset the fairleads to a preset mark, THEN .... If Im into the wind, I simply head up a bit to relieve pressure then crank away. If Im with the wind, Ill open the main and bear more down wind to put the genoa into the wind-shadow of the main then crank away. I prefer to 'crank' the genoa in with a bit of tension on it so that I get as tight a furl/reef as possible. Hope this helps.
off wind
when roller furling, the bottom of the sail rolls first. we all know that a furled head sail is a big compromise. however, if you go off wind, there is less force required to furl due to reduced apparent wind. the luff of the sail will make a more even furl. once the bulk of the sail is furled, there is less chance of the belly pulling away from the center section. in other words, a sail that is furled with little frition, will have a more uniform luff roll and a lot less belly.
when roller furling, the bottom of the sail rolls first. we all know that a furled head sail is a big compromise. however, if you go off wind, there is less force required to furl due to reduced apparent wind. the luff of the sail will make a more even furl. once the bulk of the sail is furled, there is less chance of the belly pulling away from the center section. in other words, a sail that is furled with little frition, will have a more uniform luff roll and a lot less belly.
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