The furler, standard equipment for cruising
Today, the furling system is virtually standard equipment on most cruising yachts. Its role is to enable the progressive furling and unfurling of a headsail, usually a genoa or jib, without the need to lower it after each sail.
This device remains in position but is not structurally linked to the mast. The furler consists of a drum at the base of the forestay, where the furling rope (or webbing) is stored, a system of hollow aluminum profiles through which the forestay passes, and a swivel at the head to hoist and lower the sail. Uniform furling is achieved thanks to the rigidity of the profiles, which transmit the rotational force from bottom to top.
One of the main advantages of the furling system is the ability to progressively reduce the sail area according to weather conditions. This ability to "reef" the sail makes it easier to sail without having to change jibs on deck, making the furler particularly suitable for sailors looking for simplicity and safety.
The furler for optimized management of flying sails
Unlike the furler, the furler can be removed or installed without impacting mast stability. They are designed for specific sails, such as gennakers, asymmetric spinnakers and code zeros, which do not remain permanently in place but are used according to need and wind conditions. Jib furlers are also used, albeit more rarely, in specific cases (on one-designs, for example).
The furling system is based on a turret and swivel, but does not use aluminum profiles. The transmission of force is ensured by a cable or anti-torsion rope, which is integrated into the luff of the sail and allows furling. However, this system does not allow for progressive sail reduction. The sail is either fully furled or fully unfurled, which clearly distinguishes it from a furling system.
Modern furlers generally use a toothed wheel equipped with a looped rope rather than a conventional drum. This technical choice reduces weight and space requirements, which are crucial to the performance and ease of installation of this type.
What's the difference between furling and reefing systems?
One of the major differences between these two systems lies in their relationship to the sailboat's forestay. Generally speaking, the furler is integrated into the forestay and forms part of the rigging structure, whereas the furler is an independent system, mounted on an anti-torsion wire. This distinction is essential to understanding how they work and their impact on sailing.
What's more, the furler allows you to adjust the sail area on the fly, making it particularly well-suited to wind variations. Conversely, a sail mounted on a furler must be used in its entirety, without the possibility of intermediate reefing.
Finally, the choice of one or the other strongly depends on the type of sail used. The furler is ideal for genoas, staysails and cruising jibs that stay in place on the forestay. The furler, on the other hand, is preferred for light sails such as gennaker or code zero, which are hoisted and lowered from time to time.
When and why use a furler?
While a furler is a versatile solution for cruising, a furler becomes interesting when you want to improve your boat's performance by adding an extra sail.
In certain sailing conditions, a classic genoa may not be sufficient. For example, in light downwind conditions, a larger, hollow sail such as a code zero will make the most of light breezes and avoid the need to use the engine. Similarly, when sailing downwind, a furling asymmetrical spinnaker will facilitate navigation and limit roll, making the yacht more stable and comfortable.
The furler also allows the use of a staysail or storm jib in strong winds. A staysail mounted on a conventional drop stay can be replaced by a furler-mounted sail, making it easier to set up and improving safety by reducing the time spent on deck in difficult conditions.
Which choice for which sailing program?
The choice between a furler and a jib furler depends above all on the sailing program and the skipper's expectations. For classic cruising, a furling system remains an essential piece of equipment, offering simplicity and safety in the management of headsails.
Conversely, for sailors wishing to improve their boat's performance by adding sails adapted to different points of sail, the furler becomes a major asset. It makes the most of the boat's capabilities, optimizing speed and sailing comfort, while remaining relatively simple to use.
In this way, the two systems complement each other, not conflict. A furler guarantees smooth genoa management when cruising, while a furler offers the flexibility needed to use specific sails and adapt your yacht to different wind conditions. The right choice depends above all on the yachtsman's needs and the type of sailing envisaged.
