Few things make a sailor’s heart sink faster than walking down the dock and seeing a new headsail loose on the furler, flogging in the breeze. When used properly, a furling system makes sailing easier, safer, and more enjoyable. But like most sailing gear, it rewards a little bit of attention and care.
To help cover the essentials, we spoke with Oakley Jones of Harken, who shared his best practices for keeping furlers operating smoothly and sails tightly wrapped.
The Initial Furl
The key message: proper tension creates a proper furl.
As the sail comes in, the sheet should be eased enough to let the furler spin freely, but not so far that the sail flaps or unloads completely. A good rule of thumb is one wrap on the winch and a light hand on the sheet.
In heavier breeze, watch the sail carefully, especially near the head. If the sheet isn’t tensioned enough or the clew starts to lift, the top of the sail may furl loosely or fold over itself early in the roll.
If you’re struggling to get a smooth, even furl, try the following:
• Turn the boat downwind to unload the sail
• Have a crew member apply slight downward pressure on the sheet as it’s being furled
• If the headstay feels slack, add a touch of backstay tension
• In rare cases, too much backstay can prevent the furler from turning freely
Securing the Sail at the Dock
Once the sail is rolled up neatly, take a minute to secure it properly before leaving the boat. The same rule applies here: tension prevents trouble.
Start by giving the sheets a firm pull against a cleated furling line. Then, pull in the furling line until there are roughly two wraps of sheet around the sail at the clew. Keep these wraps tight and located right at the clew rather than spiraling down the sail.
There should be about three wraps of furling line left on the drum. Too few, and the load ends up on the stopper knot, which can lead to failure over time. Secure the furling line so it cannot be accidentally kicked or loosened. Oakley recommends a horn cleat for the most reliable hold.
If the boat will sit unattended for an extended time, add an extra safety tie at the clew. A short sail tie or length of line wrapped tightly twice around the clew works well and keeps the sail furled even if the sheets come loose or are damaged. For long absences or incoming storms, it’s always safest to take the sail down and stow it below.
Final Thoughts
New sails are often stiff and take a little time to break in, which can make them harder to furl tightly at first. Take extra care during the first few months to ensure the wrap is snug and consistent.
Furlers are one of sailing’s great modern conveniences: simple, reliable, and transformative when used correctly. With just a little attention, they’ll keep your sail secure, your deck clear, and your next day on the water stress-free.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to upgrade your furling headsail or anything else in your inventory, or if you need them patched up before next season, get in touch with our team:
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