THE FAST FURL SYSTEM
by Bruce Burton
The need for an efficient and lightweight furling system is important on any
racing Flying Dutchman. When sailing on small lakes, the ability to furl and
unfurl the genoarapidly can be the difference between making or breaking an
overlap on a group of boats. In open water sailing, e.g., Long Beach, the
benefits are more subtle. Here's a description of the system I have used on
my last three boats:
Most FD's have direct-wound furling systems consisting of a furler, e.g.,
FTS or Harken, mounted on the stem chainplate. A cylindrical tube connects
the genoa tack fitting, above deck, to the furler. A plastic bearing is usually
placed in the deck where the tube passes through. Line is wound on the furler
drum before the genoa is hoisted. Pulling on the line unwinds the furler and
winds the genoa on its luff wire. A swivel is used at the head to isolate
the halyard. NOTE: If your boat currently has a ratchet system furler or some
other device, remove it and send it to your local historical museum. Install
a new furler as described above and in the drawings. The 1:2 disadvantage
principle is employed to obtain speed in furling and a 1:2 or 1:4 disadvantage
cleans up the extra line after the sail is furled.
Install two stainless bushed bullseye fairleads (e.g., FICO FIN 615) approximately
1 1/2 inches apart in the location where you wish to control the furler (usually
just behind the traveler). Install a ballbearing bullet block aft of this
point near or on the inside of the transom. On one-and-a-half bottom boats,
the bullseyes and bullet block should be near the center or keelson.
Run the furler line from the furler to the first bullseye, through a Harken
bullet (PIN 082), through a second bullseye, then to the 1:2 or 1:4 shockcord
takeup. (The furler line must be long enough to put 23 full turns on the furler.)
Tie a loop of line on the bullet block between the two bullseyes. With the
23 turns on the furler, the shockcord takeup should be two-blocked against
the bullseye. Pull on the loop, and you will furl twice as fast as you did
before. Release the loop and the shockcord takes up the extra. If you sail
in high winds, install a cleat to prevent accidental unwinding. Keep the
furler well cleaned and lubricated.
WARNING: Furling too fast in light winds may cause premature spinnaker collapse!
