Selden in mast furling advice

[Ex-SolentBoy]

When we take out the main we always set the mast selector to free, opened the clutches on the continuous furling line and hauled away on the out haul. Head to wind we pull out as much as we want then furl a little bit to tension the sail.

However, if there is wind in the sail and a nicely lubricated gear the sail can come out further than you wish. Never an issue for me but a friend asked me how to restrict the amount that unfurls so you can control things in strong winds without heading into the wind.

Will keeping the continuous line on a winch and easing it help, or is there some other way?

Many thanks as usual.

 

[Tranona]

Exactly what I do. That is one of the benefits of using a continuous reefing line through clutches to a winch. I have the outhaul and main sheet on the port side and the reefing line on the starboard, so it is possible to control both standing in the companionway. Needs a bit of practice.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Exactly what I do. That is one of the benefits of using a continuous reefing line through clutches to a winch. I have the outhaul and main sheet on the port side and the reefing line on the starboard, so it is possible to control both standing in the companionway. Needs a bit of practice.

Thanks. So the furling winch on the mast is set to free and the continuous line is eased in concert with the outhaul?

 

[Tranona]

Yes. Need to make sure the clutches are good as you are then relying on them to hold the sail in the position you want.

Think it is covered in the Selden manual.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Yes. Need to make sure the clutches are good as you are then relying on them to hold the sail in the position you want.

Think it is covered in the Selden manual.

Thanks again.

All the manual says is

"Unfurling
 Free both sides of the endless loop from the winch and clam -cleat. It will then slide on the reefing winch.  Pull out the sail with the outhaul line."