eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Use a Furling Jib

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

Furling jibs, and furling foresails in general, have been one of the most useful technical additions to sailing in recent years. By allowing you to furl and unfurl the jib, the furling system saves time and lots of effort. Like any mechanism, onboard though, the furling system needs to be used correctly to keep it working well. So, follow these steps to use a furling jib.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Unfurl the jib. It's best to unfurl the jib while you're under way so that the force of the apparent wind helps to get the sail out and open. To unfurl, simply take the furling line out of the cleat or remove its break. Then, pull on the jib line on the leeward side. Pull slowly on the line, especially in high winds where the jib can catch the wind and snap open.

  2. Step 2

    Set your jib as you normally would. Once the jib is unfurled you only need to set it and then use it as you sail like you would use a non-furling jib. Make sure the furling line is taut and out of the way.

  3. Step 3

    Furl the jib. Furling the jib takes a little bit more care then unfurling it, especially if there are high winds. You can nose into the wind to take the tension off the sail or you can fall off to a broad reach and use the mainsail to block the jib. Either way, make sure you ease the jib sheet gradually and take up slack with the furling line immediately. If you allow too much slack on the jib sheet the sail can luff and suffer damage or even tear off.

  4. Step 4

    Check the sail and furling device. After you have furled the sail and come to port, you should take a quick look on the foredeck to make sure the furling mechanism is unfouled and the jib is securely furled. Look at the roller on the bottom of the mechanism and also make sure the sail's halyards are untangled.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Use a Furling Jib

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness