I agree with all Tom has written. The speed, ease, and safety of
in-mast - - - and behind the
mast - - - furling gear are significant advantages in ocean voyaging.
(The loss of sail area never was a concern of ours while crossing
oceans - hence a hollow-leech main.) Certainly, the sail can jamb, but
the equipment made today is light-years ahead of earlier attempts. The
same is true of headsail furlers, which were ridiculed when we set off
cruising. The real key to using any furling gear is the competence and
concentration of the user. Who has not had a headsail wrap while
furling going downwind in a blow? As a result, you take each use of the
gear seriously. Everything has its pluses and minuses.

A real risk with full-battened mains, is having a batten push through a
forward pocket. A batten can then move forward and be over a maststep
or spreader, and the sail can not be lowered. I know, as I had to climb
part way up the mast to push a batten back into the sail in order to
lower it. And, this was with a two year old sail in excellent
condition. The strain on batten pockets at sea can be very great.

A number of cruisers in recent years have installed headsail furlers
behind the mast. All I have met have been happy with the result. One 58
foot yacht, Eros, has been cruising with this rig for over 20 years and
loves it. A 40 foot Canadian catamaran, Ken B, has the same rig and Ken
B loves it - - although I have a hard time taking seriously, someone
who names his boat after himself.

Bill Healy
Amadon Light
TaBaPanShiba 40



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Received on Fri Jun 10 17:34:29 2005