Sailing with a furling main

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John G

I'm looking at a 36MKII that has Z-Spar in-mast furling. Never sailed with a furling main and I'm concerned about sail control in heavy air. Anyone have any experience with it that you'd like to share with me? John G
 
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Al Carlson

Furling Main in a blow

John: We sail hull number 2059, and have had the main fully deployed in steady winds of 26 knots -- gusting to 28 or 29. The shape of the sail (especially the foot) was very nice under these conditions. Control of the foot of the sail has never been a problem due to the hefty outhaul tackle. It pulls the clew out and down at the same time. I will say that it takes some muscle to furl the main when you are headed into a 28-29 knot wind. Once I had to use one of the cabin-top winches. Too bad the diameter of the furling drum has to be so small on the main. But don't get me wrong -- I really like the furling main. We've put about 1000 miles on the boat so far. Fair winds! Al Carlson s/v Wings of Dawn
 
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stan O'Hoppe

mainsail furling

Can anybody suggest a mainsail furling system not inside the mast?
 
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