In-mast and in-boom furling - improving all the time

by Des Ryan on 6 Jul 2011 The allure of in-mast furling has always been the speed and lack of effort to get the sail up and down quickly. The problem, as expressed by many cruising sailors, is 'What if the mechanism gets stuck?' This has prevented many a sailor who can afford the expensive option to hang back. But the designers have been aware of this, and the technology is improving all the time.

As an example, now Formula Marine's recently announced strategic partnership with electronics specialists Floattech BV, to be called F² Advanced Sailing Technologies, claim they have improved the technology and the ease of operation.

In its first project the two companies have brought together their individual expertise to develop a highly efficient in-boom and in-mast furling system controlled with just one joy stick operation which can be located in the cockpit or any convenient position around the yacht.

The mechanics of the system have been exhaustively tested to ensure it is totally robust and able to work under extreme loads without damage to the sail. Maintenance is minimal as the system is built with the highest quality materials and parts.

The F² system has been designed as a fully integrated package which includes the power pack, controls, industrial control system and all masts and booms. This ensures that the automated system is totally compatible with the spars and will withstand the rigors of constant use season after season.

The first F² system has been fitted on a Perini 46m that has undergone extensive testing and trials over the last six months. The carbon booms were manufactured at Formula’s specialist carbon spar facility in Montpellier, France, while the finishing and fitting of the automated furling system has been carried out at Formula’s headquarters in Holland prior to installation on the yacht.

Formula’s head of sales Wim Mooiweer said, 'Floattech has a strong reputation for high quality design, programming and production of electronics, which it has built over many years in a variety of industries. Our partnership as F² Advanced Sailing Technologies combines our expertise and allows us to develop innovative products in the world of yachting, backed by Formula’s extensive experience in this market place.

'Our new F² system is unique due to its fingertip management of the system via just one joy stick. Furthermore using a carbon boom on the Perini yacht has allowed us to add the automated furling system without any addition to the weight compared to a standard aluminium boom. A huge improvement in sail management without any additional weight.'

The F² furling system allows variable speed control of the mainsail roll out by simple speed controlled operation of one joy stick. The electronic system controls both the mandrel and the captive winch with a constant variable combination of speed and torque values.

All necessary values are measured by encoders and feedback of the mandrel, the captive winch and even the boom angle towards the mast. This advanced control system is protecting the sail itself during sail operation. Reefing can also be carried out easily, from the safety of the cockpit where every individual function can be fine tuned.

Very nice, specially if it fits your budget...