One pull on the sheet, and the Code Zero is up. Rolling it in, on the other hand, can sometimes be a real slog. It takes many turns to wind the sail around the relatively thin torsion cable. A corresponding number of metres of furling line must be pulled through. If the tension on the continuous line slackens whilst repositioning your grip, the sail may unfurl again. Furlers with a ratchet mechanism hold the drum securely in the desired position.
Accessories for Code Zero and gennaker furling systems
Karver KF3.0 with a lock in one direction of rotation
The KF3.0 furler from Karver stands out thanks to its Kevlar and carbon fibre drum. This measures 160 millimetres in diameter and has a working load of three tonnes. An outer casing made of ABS plastic protects the furler. It is designed for boats between 30 and 40 feet. The furling line has a diameter of eight millimetres. The KF3.0 is fitted with a ratchet mechanism. This prevents the sail from unwinding unintentionally in one direction of rotation. The pin that stops the rotation is a wear part and is available as a replacement from the manufacturer. The furler costs 2,090 euros. Further information: Kohlhoff-online.de.
Profurl engages the ratchet via the continuous line
With the NEX2.5V2R Speed, Profurl offers a compact furler for gennakers and codes. As well as its space-saving design, the furler features a ratchet mechanism. This means that pressure does not need to be maintained constantly whilst the sail is being furled, and accidental unfurling is prevented. The key feature: the ratchet works in both directions. To switch directions, simply operate the continuous line; no additional control line is required. The drum has a diameter of 150 millimetres and a working load of 2.5 tonnes. Prices start at 1,900 euros. Further information: profurl.com.
Special line for endless furlers
The Italian rope manufacturer Gottifredi Maffioli offers Looptech, a specialised line for endless furling systems. The coarsely braided outer sheath is made from a fibre blend of Technora and polyester and is designed to provide a good grip both in the hand and on the furler. The core is made from bio-based Dyneema. The line is also said to offer the advantage of splicing together particularly smoothly to form an endless furling line. It is available in five diameters ranging from 8 to 14 millimetres. The diameter must be compatible with the respective furler. A significant thickening at the splice point can cause problems if the connection passes through a drum or guide fittings. Further information: Kohlhoff-online.de.
Endlessly good leadership
On furling systems for Code Zero and gennakers, the furling line is endless. Consequently, the guide must accommodate two lines. Seldén’s line-guide fittings can be fitted to stanchions with a diameter of 25 or 30 millimetres. The bracket can be rotated to open the fitting, allowing the line to be threaded through quickly. Depending on the boat’s length, several fittings are required to guide the endless line back and forth along the rail. In the cockpit, a double block can redirect both lines and keep them slightly taut. The price is 86 euros per unit. Further information: Gotthardt-yacht.de.
Electric furling of the Code Zero and gennaker
A tug on the sheet and the code is up; at the touch of a button, it’s rolled up again: that’s the promise of Seldén’s CXe series. The Swedish manufacturer offers two different sizes for sail areas of up to 115 and 200 square metres respectively. Both models are available as built-in versions (TD for short) or as portable versions (OD for short). The two sizes are called CXe 25 and CXe 45. The numbers refer to the maximum working load in kilonewtons.
The furlers operate using Seldén’s proprietary bus system, which runs at a system voltage of 42 volts. This means the cable cross-sections are very small. Furthermore, the brushless motors operate at two speed settings and can reach up to 500 revolutions per minute. The manufacturer quotes a furling time of around ten seconds. Another advantage of this rapid manoeuvre is said to be the short duration during which the sail is under tension. This means that the swift manoeuvre helps to protect the sail fabric.
The smallest model costs around 4,000 euros. A basic SEL-Bus system is required for control. Consequently, the total cost of ownership amounts to well over 6,000 euros. With the optional halyard swivel, the systems can also be used as top-down furlers. According to the manufacturer, the CXe furlers are particularly well-suited for replacing existing manual CX furlers with the electric version. Further information: Gotthardt-yacht.de.
The differences between the electrical systems from Seldén, Profurl and Facnor are illustrated by the Comparison of electric furlers for Code Zero and gennakers In detail.
Despite the electric drive, the preparation for the manoeuvre remains the same. Before rolling the sail in, the pressure must be taken off the sail. The sheet is eased in a controlled manner and the Code Zero must be able to roll freely away from the forestay and the rest of the rig. A jammed sail is no less of a problem simply because the furler is electric. On the contrary: the motor can exert considerable force on a jammed sail or torsion cable.
A deck bag instead of a bulky sail below deck
A spinnaker bag might still be possible to compress a little further and squeeze into the stowage space under the berth. With a Code Zero or gennaker on a furling system, however, this becomes rather difficult. The anti-torsion cable on the top-down furler makes the whole set-up very bulky. Depending on the space available below deck, the sail bag can end up blocking most of the aft cabin or an entire saloon bench. If you’re sailing with a larger crew and all the berths are needed, or if you want to keep things tidy below deck, you’ll need a different stowage solution. The simplest option is the deck.
Sailmakers produce storage solutions for headsails in the form of so-called deck bags. Sail battens keep the Sail Service sail bag stable, whilst it is secured with webbing. This is designed to make it easy to stow and hoist the headsail straight from the bag. Mesh on the underside ensures drainage. The gennaker deck bag is available in five sizes for sails ranging from 30 to 250 square metres. Prices range from 99 to 139 euros. Further information: Sailservice-germany.de.
The shapes and designs suitable for different sails are described in the Guide to sailing bags and deck bags explained in more detail.
A deck bag creates space below deck, but exposes the sail to moisture, salt and UV radiation. The sail should therefore not be left in the bag whilst wet for long periods.
Ratchet, line guide or electric drive?
A manual furler with a backstop makes furling easier without requiring any additional electrical components, control units or connectors.
A good furling line and its routing are no minor matter. If the line slips in the drum or lies in loose loops on deck, even a high-quality furler is of limited use.
Electric systems really come into their own with large sail areas. They reduce the physical effort required, but cost considerably more and make the manoeuvre dependent on a power supply and control system.
The way the halyard, sheet and furler work together during the manoeuvre is explained in the Practical guide to using the Code Zero Explained step by step.
Ratchet or push-button: how much technology does your Code Zero need? Share your experiences in the comments.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology