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From the point of view of a racer or racer/cruiser, this page discusses the several different furler designs and gives tips on use, installation, and appropriate sails.
[Hoopers Yachts, Afton, MN, USA]
A mixed bag of responses by Neri to questions about sail decisions. Although you need to look around, there is plenty of substantive advice on choosing, rigging, and reefing your headsails.
[SetSail.com, Charlotte, NC, USA]
Swivel blocks, stanchion-mount blocks, and clamp-on solid fairleads are examined for furler use. More of a discussion on how to reduce furling gear friction than a product test.
[Practical Sailor, 1 July 2005]
Many boats sail badly to windward with roller-reefed headsails, but there are sail accessories to help the jib′s set and longevity. Foam luffs, UV sunshields, leechlines, head and clew patches, telltales and trim lines are discussed.
[SailNet, 2 August 2001]Note: Do me a favor. Take a moment to me and tell me how you are using CR right now - what works for you, and what may frustrate you. I′ll use your thoughts to try to improve the site.
Pros and cons of vertical battens for luff-furling headsails and mainsails and advice for designing luff-furling sails.
[SetSail]
Brief grab bag of facts and commentary about reefing and furling systems. Contains excerpts from hard-to-find bulletin board and newsgroup postings, as well as links to useful sites and vendor pages.
[Bill Dietrich, USA]
The basics: halyard tension, sheet lead position, and how to reef so as to lose the least power. Three pages with illustrations.
[Neil Pryde Sails International, Milford, CT, USA]
A vendor of sailmaking supplies gives step-by-step instructions for adding a UV cover to your headsail.
[Sailrite Enterprises. Inc., Churubusco, IN, USA]
What can go wrong with headsail furling gear and how to prevent it. Halyard wraps, drum overrides, slack headstays and furling line friction are discussed. 2 pages, diagram of halyard fairlead.
[Sail Magazine, June 2002]