Roller Reefing - deflection

[seaesta]

I have just fitted a new roller reefing genoa and went for a shakedown trip over the weekend. The roller gear is sited above a turnbuckle which tensions the forestay. The forestay seems tight to me but when sailing I noticed that when the furling rope and sail were pulling on the same side there was a lot of deflection sideways - as if there was too much tension on the reefed sail from the furling rope. I could put more tension in the forestay but this would then be massively tight and may damage something - any thoughts from the forum?
thanks
Martin

 

[BAtoo]

Which type of roller reefing? Does the halyard come down the mast or back down the forestay to the foot of the sail?? Makes a big difference...

 

[sailorman]

slack backstay allowing forestay to sag-off ???

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

What rigging set up do you have?

Is she fractional, or masthead rigged?

Deck stepped or keel stepped mast?

etc...

 

[simonfraser]

if you can deflect the forestay with just the furling rope the stay def is too loose.

 

[SAWDOC]

I do not see how the furling rope could tension the furled sail. It sounds like your forestay is slack. Could I suggest that you look at the vertical deflection of your mast. The furling gear plus turnbuckle could be too long for your rig, which may only become apparent when under load. If you can bring the masthead back without throwing your rig out of tune it might be worth a try. Otherwise try a shorter turnbuckle. Good luck