In many ways, these furlers are similar to the endless line, foil-less furlers used to roller furl straight-luff, light-air drifter/reachers and code sails ( PS, March 2008 and April 2011). Shorthanded cruisers can cut engine run times in half and double the pleasure of being under sail. By eliminating the loose nylon plunge toward the sea, spinnaker fire-drills can become a thing of the past. In no time at all, youre left with a snuggly rolled-up spinnaker, thats ready to be lowered to the deck and stowed away in its turtle or bag. The 1-2-3 process begins by steering a 90- to 120-degree heading to the apparent wind, easing the sheet and yanking away on the furling drum, which is driven by an endless loop. ![]() Spinnaker-dousing anxiety drops significantly. Furling involves a reciprocal approach: You simply wind up the sail and lower the halyard. During the hoist, the sail is fully furled, and once up, with sheets, run, and the crew at the ready, the sail can be easily unfurled via a tug on the sheet. The furling units that tame A-sails give us a chance to hoist a cloud of nylon under complete control. Test results and final ratings will be published in part two next month. In this, part one of a two-part series, well compare basic features. These systems are designed for nylon and other lightweight, off-the-wind sails dubbed A-sails, gennakers, asymmetric spinnakers, and other appellations referring to light-air, curved-luff sails. ![]() ![]() The newest crop of top-down furlers adds more than a new twist to headsail handling. The legacy is a new way to handle off-the-wind sailing in light air, plus an ability to ghost along efficiently on a close reach in those all-to-familiar five-knot zephyrs. What began in the esoteric big boat, big-budget racing arena has trickled down to club racers and is now being cross-decked to the cruising community. ![]() Sailmakers and roller-furler designers deserve energy-saver awards for their success in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. INTEGRATED GAITER SYSTEM With perforated drainage holes at the base to drain any water outģD MESH INNER LINING For added airflow and moisture managementĪGILITY & SUPPORT Designed to keep you agile and moving fast on deck, while providing superior support and comfortĮXTENSIVELY TESTED AND ENDORSED All our Seaboots are individually tested during production to make sure they don’t leak.Photo courtesy of Quantum Sails all other photos by Ralph Naranjo HIGH GRIP MOULDED RUBBER SOLE Our non-marking ZK Sole will keep you connected to the boat in the wettest conditions REINFORCED ARCH AND HEEL SUPPORT Provides extra support where it is needed most NEOPRENE AND RUBBER CONSTRUCTION Allows for an insulated and fully waterproof system Featuring a high grip rubber sole, integrated fast draining gaiter system, comfortable 3D mesh lining and individually tested during production to provide you with the confidence needed when out at sea.ġ00% WATERPROOF Stay dry with this completely watertight and seam sealed boot Delivering amazing support, comfort and performance while remaining agile and responsive to the feel of the boat.
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