As standard for cruising

Reel, furling system or drum?

To begin with the reel appears to more easily facilitate reducing sail. Finished changing on the bow when the wind rises, simply roll whilst staying in the cockpit. The system is limited though, once rolled the Genoa forms a large pocket. Too low it becomes too powerful. Thus emerged the staysails (often also on a reel.)When the wind picks up one rolls up the Genoa and unrolls the staysail, smaller and flatter. It is a very good solution. The roller no longer becomes the storing system of the sail. Either it is rolled or the opposite; one system all or nothing. Thus the furling system was born which doesn’t permit the intermediate position but which remains in position. Finally, one may carry supplementary sails (principally downwind.)It is simple to carry them furled and simply release them when needed.

The mainsail

Reeling on the mast
To furl the mainsail to the inside, it is necessary to provide a mast. This method the best, as it places all the weight of the mainsail high up, even in bad conditions.
This method of reeling requires vertical slats. It is also difficult to release if the system is blocked. There are also methods of furling the mainsail against the mast.
We advise against these for the same reasons.
Furling in the boom
This is the more efficient system; the roller in the boom. One may also conserve the horizontal slats. It is always possible to lower the sail classically. The rolled sail maintains a good shape. The only downside, it is essential to keep a precise angle between mast and boom.

ow to choose your roller furling Genoa?

- For vessels up to 7 m, we offer models with halyard rope and winding incorporated. They are simple to implement.
- For cruising and ocean navigation, you can find models for boats from 7 to 25 m. For long voyages, a releasable stay is highly recommended. It allows you to withstand a storm. A sail wound is not effective in heavy weather. In case of problems on the main stay, the releasable may also temporarily replace it.

Equipping with a Genoa

For choosing a reel, the points to consider are the maximum surface area of the Genoa, the length and diameter of the stay, the mode of fixing and adjusting, the weight and length of the boat and the type of sailing. The reel comes with instructions for installation by non-professionals. If you prefer to delegate this task, contact your local AD store.

Tips

When using a roller, one must never roll, leaving too much tension in the sheet or leave the sail fighting the wind. It is though, important to leave a slight tension when rolling the sail properly. When sailing, one leaves the tension in the halyard with a traditional jib. After each outing, it is good to release the tension in the halyard. The only maintenance is a regular wash with fresh water to remove salt and dirt (not grease!) After wintering, before sending the sail, manouevre it a few times and do not hesitate to put tallow on the luff of the sail to facilitate its implementation.

Regularly check the stay, it is in fact hidden by the reel.

How does it work?

A roller consists of a drum, an aluminium profile and a swivel at the top. The sail fits into the groove of the profile and the drum rotated by means of a rope. When the cord is worked, the sail is rolled. The swivel at the top, prevents the halyard winding on itself.

Professional Advice

“To protect the sail in case of sudden wind, it is necessary to roll it tight around the stay. A sail which fights the wind will soon find itself damaged.”