Genoa furler jammed with rising winds - *&$^* thing!

[Blueboatman]

Some boats fit a dedicated single rope clutch at the cockpit for the furling line, perhaps on the deck itself. The friction in the rope clutch when unfurling the genoa 'should' be enough to keep the furling line tightly in order.
It is also of course ( in theory)an additional level of security to prevent the genoa unfurling when you are not on board

 

[RobbieW]

One thing to add to all the previous replies. When checking/setting up the length of the furling line, ensure that a fair bit of tension is on the sheets as you furl away. If you dont do that, when it comes to furling away in a strong wind you'll run out of furling line before the sails fully rolled.

 

[Simondjuk]

Just taking the furling line round the back of a deck cleat (not a full turn, just half) before opening the clutch and beginning to haul the sail out will provide sufficient friction, and hence tension, with even the lightest hand applied to ensure that the line loads neatly onto the drum. It also allows fingertip braking control to regulate the amount of sail deployed, even on big sails in strong winds, when those with a less firm grip might otherwise find the line impossible to check once the sail begins filling and the line running.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

I agree about not winching if there is a jam, however a winch IS often required with bigger sails.

On our previous boat, Mood44, the genoa was 630sq.ft. which took a lot of furling especially if left to flog in the wind, when it was pretty much impossible by hand.

 

[SAWDOC]

Best advice is prevention.

When unfurling keep tension on the furling line. When furling keep tension on the jib sheets. This should stop Jams occurring.

If a jam does occur as you say don't keep pulling it makes it worst. If possible bear off down wind to blanket the jib and set about de-tangling the mess.

It happened to be a few weeks ago, luckily not so windy. I managed to sail to a bay drop the anchor then the jib. I found it much easier to lower the jib to free the drum.
This is not possible if you already have furls in the jib.

Good advice.
Only thing I would add is that sometimes it helps to ease tension on gib halyard a smidgin and conversly not to allow it to go slack. Also ensure that the furling line is running as true as possible.

 

[KellysEye]

>I would advise to never winch.

Yes, I've seen a broken forestay in the Canaries which was winched to death when the top swivel jammed.

 

[nigel1]

Single handing I find that furling the genoa can be a real struggle at times.
If enough sea room, I find it easier to turn off the wind and then furl.
I dont use the winch as such, but take the furling line from the turning block on the toe rail to a winch on the coach roof, then pull back on the bight between block and winch, then by hand, take the slack with the winch, then repeat.
Find that a lot easier than just trying to haul by hand direct from the turning block.