Reefing an in mast furled mainsail

[[2574]]

A letter in YM September issue reckons that it's possible to reef (furl) a mainsail whilst sailing under load and even with wind astern. That's not my experience - my Selden in-mast becomes very stroppy if I try and furl under any load. Can anybody else do this? If so then what's the technique?

rob

 

[BlueSkyNick]

The only time I have furled down wind is in very light airs, which meant there was very little power in the sail anyway.

 

[Talbot]

good way of getting a jam!

 

[TonyS]

I also read the article with interest. I tried it a couple of times on a recent cross channel cruise when the wind reached F6 on a reach. The technique I used was to slacken the outhaul a foot (300 mm) at a time and take a turn on the furling line using the winch. It worked without problem but caused a very tight furl and a diagonal crease which was removed as soon as I refurled the sail in harbour. I also tend to get creases when furling the foresail under similar conditions. Perhaps it is possible to adjust the kicker/topping lift to avoid the crease but I just left them both unadjusted. I will experiment further. Normally, in a light wind, mine furls very easily without using any force by hand letting the out haul and slack side of the furling line in the left hand and pulling with the right on all points of sail except directly down wind when I would pull the boom in so the sail clears the shrouds.

 

[peteandthira]

I've managed to reef in any conditions with my Selden gear by keeping the genoa driving, releasing the boom to a complete trailing position then easing the outhaul a bit at a time. The drag on the sail under no drive keeps enough tension on it to allow it to roll up properly.

Seems oK and never jams or rolls up badly.

Pops