Not Just for Racing
If you are like a lot of sailors, you may be familiar with the concept of “flying sail furlers,” and you probably associate them with high-performance (and high-dollar) racing boats. Think again.
Flying sail furling systems also offer simplicity, convenience and improved performance for cruisers. A flying sail is a headsail that is flown free of the headstay rather than permanently attached to it, making it ideal for light-air and off-the-wind sailing. While long-distance cruising sailors must prepare their boats to withstand storm conditions, most of the cruising we do consists of light winds, often proceeding under engine power. Here is where flying sails and their new technology can help you sail more, motor less, and pay for themselves in reduced fuel costs.
Types of Sails
Flying sail furlers are designed to be used with light and heavy flying, asymmetrical sails, at heading angles between a close reach and a broad reach. An asymmetrical sail is a lightweight, curved sail used primarily when sailing across or downwind, where it generates more power than a conventional headsail.
- Light sails: gennaker, code zero, screacher, light or multi-purpose genoas, fisherman.
- Heavy sails: solent, reacher, staysail, storm jib.
Top-down Furlers
The latest development in flying sail furlers is the top-down furling systems that fit downwind sails with a soft luff (the leading edge of the sail) and full midsection. The sail starts furling from the head (top) and continues down to the bottom of the torsion cable (hence the term “top-down furler”). Only the head of the sail is attached to the torsion rope—a specially engineered anti-twist cable that transmits the furling force from the drum to the top of the sail. The rest of the sail is independent from the furler, and the tack (the lower forward corner of the sail) is connected to a floating ring on the lower drum, allowing it to remain stationary while the drum turns. The sail deploys easily and rapidly, without the crew needing to leave the cockpit. Usually, a top-down furler does not require any modification to your existing sail.
A bowsprit—a spar that extends forward from the bow—is often a good idea because it increases the gap between the furler and the headstay, helping prevent the sail from rubbing or tangling during deployment and retrieval. However, the furler can also be attached directly to the bow, depending on your boat. Ronstan offers top-down adaptors that fit their Series 80, Series 120 and Series 160 Gen 2 Flying Sail Furlers. Karver also is now making this style, in their KSF2 and KSF5 top-down furlers.
Is a flying sail furler structural?
A “structural” furler supports the mast by replacing your boat’s headstay (the wire or rod that runs from the masthead to the bow) or by fitting over the existing headstay while carrying those structural loads. It also stows and deploys a genoa or working jib. Flying sail furlers are not structural, meaning they do not support the mast, and are easily removable. Combined with a 2:1 purchase, a flying sail furling system provides an efficient alternative to using a separate, removable stainless steel forestay.
Can I sail with my sail partially furled?
No, flying sail furlers are designed to be used with the sail fully unfurled. You cannot reef, or partially furl, your code zero or other flying sail because doing so changes the sail's shape and can place excessive loads on the sail and furler. It is an “off or on” sort of technology.
Where can I buy an anti-twist “Torque” rope?
Rope manufacturers, riggers, and sailmakers usually sell this kind of product. An anti-twist, or torque, rope is specifically designed to transfer the drum's rotation to the head of the sail so the entire sail rolls up evenly. Contact West Marine Rigging, and we can fabricate this for you. According to Ryan Scott at our West Marine Rigging Newport location, “We just sent off a Karver KSF2 Top-Down Furler with anti-torsion cable and furling line. The anti-torsion line is Marlow 9mm ProDrive which we finish here in house. The furling line is also Marlow, it is their 8mm MGP Furler 50.”
“If you have any questions, or are looking for any information, feel free to contact us. We now are able to offer the full kit for your top-down furling needs, including the furler assembly, completed anti-torsion lines and continuous furling lines.”
Can I use my current sail?
Yes, however a sailmaker must integrate the anti-twist cable into the luff of the sail, except in the case of top-down furlers, as discussed above. This modification allows the cable to transmit the twisting force needed to furl the sail evenly from top to bottom.
I am not a racing sailor; can I use this kind of furler?
Flying sail furlers are an excellent upgrade for anybody looking to improve performance (professional skippers or hotshot racers, but also sailors keen on cruising). For cruisers, the biggest advantage is ease of use. A furled flying sail can be deployed or stowed in seconds from the cockpit, making it practical to use in changing wind conditions. As a result, you'll sail more in light weather and motor less.
