Going Cruising - Time to Change to Furling Sails

by Nancy Knudsen on 12 Jan 2009 Furling sails are ideal for the cruising sailor, easy to handle, easier to reef, good for short handed crewing. If you're changing from primarily racing with the occasional cruise, to primarily cruising with the occasional race, then it's time to consider furling sails. Here are eight good tips for when it's time to make the change:

1.Using Old Sails:
No matter what anyone tells you, you CAN use your old sails. Ask your sailmaker to modify the sails you use regularly, including at least one genoa and one heavy- air sail. If you sail in an area that requires specialty sails like drifters, convert these as well. Sails should be in good condition though.

2.Converting the Sail:
If sails are of an older style, the hanks will have to be removed, and a luff tape added so the sails slide into the foils. Larger sails may need to be shortened to make room for the halyard swivel.

3.Choosing a New Sail:
If you're buying a new sail, look for a sail designed for a range of sailing conditions. It should have shaping devices in the luff for improved sail shape while reefed, but still be able to handle reefed sailing loads, and sun

protection.

4.Sun Protection.
Adding a suncover to your most frequently used sails will protect them from ultraviolet damage when furled. Most sailmakers use UV-proof sailcloth. This cloth can be used on the genoa foot and leech panels without adding a lot of extra weight. Most sailmakers prefer Acrilan®-type covers (the same material used for mainsail covers) sewn on the sail leech and foot.

5.Sail Changing:
Going to furlers does not mean you're stuck with the same sails, though many cruising sailors choose to sail like this. Changing furling sails is similar to changing a hank-on jib. Simply attach the head and tack of the sail to their shackles, pass the luff tape through the prefeeder and feeder, and raise the sail. The prefeeder and feeder remove wrinkles and minor twists in the sail so you can raise sail while at the mast or standing in the cockpit. If you plan to make a lot of sail changes, you should order the optional head and tack snap shackles, but be aware that these can have a tendency to snap open.

6.Independent Swivels:
It's best to have independent halyard and tack swivels that furl the sail's centre before the tack and head. The resulting flatter sail is good for reefed sailing. The shape is not as good as a sail designed specifically for reefing, but is much better than a unit without independent tack and head swivels.

7.High Clew:
The best furling sail is one designed with a high clew to give the lower part of the sail a better wrap around the foils, as well as to improve visibility under the sail. A sail with a moderately low clew has the greatest efficiency and that it will maintain good visibility because the tack of the sail is raised off the deck. A high clew will also protect the sail from water damage when in turbulent seas, as water across the deck will pass under the sail.

8.Keeping a Spare:
Keeping a spare is a good idea, even though you'll be able to reef the sail, because even the best reefing sail can be damaged. In a blow, it's good to be able to change to a heavy-air reefable sail before leaving the harbour. When there are light winds, sailing will be lots more fun if you use a light air sail.

Sail-World Cruising would like to thank Harken for their contribution to this article.