PROBLEM SOLVING
If furling the right way still isn’t working for you, there are a number of things to consider...
1 UNDERSTAND YOUR SYSTEM
First to check is to have a look inside your mast at which way your system should furl. If your furling system has the option, put a winch handle in the furling mechanism at the mast and turn it the direction indicated to make sure the sail is going into the mast in the correct direction. Clicking over the ratchet at the mast before it’s time to furl will ensure it always rolls in the right direction.
2 ASSESS YOUR SAILS
The biggest cause of problems is the sail itself – how old it is and the material it is made from. Stretch in the cloth makes baggy sails, which furling systems will happily munch on.
Furling mainsails are cut flatter than conventional slab-reefing sails as accommodating the belly of the sail is problematic. Some older furling mains may have be made with an inappropriate, fully-bellied shape. If your polyester sails have a deep belly, think about getting new ones as you’ll be fighting a losing battle. As the belly folds, it doubles the thickness of the furl, causing unsightly and inefficient creases at best, and hideous sail jams or rips at worst.
3 ADJUST HALYARD TENSION
Excess halyard tension can also cause the fabric to bunch up; vertical creases at the luff cause the sail to fold over itself.
To resolve this, release the halyard until you have horizontal creases at the luff, then add just enough tension to remove them, though you may need to adjust this when underway.
4 CHECK THE BACKSTAY
While the mast is bending, the foil inside it remains straight; the furled sail will bind at the apex of the mast’s bend.
If all of this fails, it’s worth calling a rigger to check the foil tension. If this has gone slack, as you furl the foil will bend and rub against the mast.
5 SMOOTH IT OUT
The next thing to look at is reducing friction. As is often the case, the lines to your furling gear and outhaul are led through various fairleads and blocks across the deck and up the mast. Make sure all the angles they have to go through are a wide as possible – consider moving them if not – and all blocks and sheaves are running smoothly. A good wash with fresh water and a squirt of dry lubricant can work wonders.