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Comments Time - How To Use In-Mast Furling Mainsail - Selden Rig

January 22, 2025 · 7 min · 4K views

What this video covers

Operating a Selden in-mast furling system requires careful control of the furling line to prevent uncontrolled sail deployment, which causes excessive flapping and potential damage to the sail and mast components.2:02 While some sailors prefer pulling the mainsail out by hand using the outhaul to save time, this method risks rapid, jerky deployment that stresses the sail and can damage the plastic teeth inside the furling drum.3:57 Maintaining tension on the furling line during deployment prevents these sudden runs and reduces wear on the drum’s internal mechanism. When furling the sail, using a winch handle directly at the mast is faster and more efficient, particularly in heavy weather, provided the ratchet is engaged to prevent the sail from slipping back out under pressure.4:54 Additionally, ensuring the correct number of wraps on the winch drum prevents rope slippage, which otherwise accelerates wear on both the sheet and the winch surface.5:39

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