Probably nothing. But then again, it adds complexity. And without redundancy, that could be a problem. There is no removable inner stay for hanking on a mule or worker when the wind pipes up. The owner on this boat has no other headsails other than the furling 140.
It's very difficult to get a sail to set properly once you start rolling her up in a breeze. Start rolling and the center of effort moves up, just when you need it lower. Tensioning the luff is another problem as is controlling draft. Foam luff pads help, but its still quite a compromise.
I have yet to sail on a boat where furling in a breeze produced anything close to the shape attainable with a hank on sail. Sailmakers design each sail to meet a specific condition. A small blade jib gives great windward performance in tough going. Not so with a half or 3/4 rolled up genoa designed for moderate air.
Furling gear is a wonderful invention and certainly has it's place. I prefer to keep things much more simple aboard my own boat.
Best - J.
|