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The size of the working sail area is infinitely variable with a jib furling and reefing system. Even if the
sail is designed as a furling sail incorporating foam etc. and the Furlex system is equipped with a ”free
turn” (see below), a reefed sail can never achieve the same efficiency as an unreefed sail of equal size.
If the boat is equipped with more than one furling sail, these can be changed to suit the different wind
conditions.
Fig. 12.1.a
The Furlex luff section has the
same diameter
over its whole length
. The entire luff is furled
in an even roll, right down to the tack of the
sail. This is a requirement if the free turn is to
be fully effective and give a satisfactory shape
to the reefed sail.
Fig. 12.1.b
Furlex is equipped with a tack swivel, meaning
that furling of the tack is delayed by one revo-
lution in relation to the luff extrusion. This causes
the sail to be flattened out a little before the tack
and the foot are furled. Since the tack is rein-
forced by several layers of sail cloth, this will
increase the sail roll more with each revolution
than the rest of the luff , thereby impairing the
shape of the reefed sail. Furlex compensates for
this by means of the tack ring delay.
We refer
to this function as the ”Free turn”
.
In strong winds it may be necessary to reef the sail. It is important then to furl the sail tightly, as
this both preserves the sail and gives it a better shape.
The best point of sail for reefing is on a close reach to beam reach. The wind will then partly fill
the sail and help to improve its shape when reefed.
If using a winch for the furling line, first check that there is no obstruction which may interrupt
the furling operation and possibly cause damage.
1. Slacken off the leeward sheet until the sail just begins to flap along the luff.
2. Pull in the furling line so that the sail is furled and flattened out. Belay the furling line.
3. Repeat the procedure as required to obtain the desired sail area.
If using a winch for the furling line, first check that there is no obstruction which may
interrupt the furling operation and possibly cause damage.
A feature of other furling
gears
– NOT FURLEX!
12.1 Free turn
12 Reefing
12.2 Reefing under sail