Harken furling

[Brent B]

If the damage is only 8 ft above the deck, or within stepladder range, I would consider trying the prying and cutting options suggested by Brion from a short ladder. i.e. you need only go up about three steps. The air must be quite still, and you need to take safety precautions in case a puff comes through unexpectedly. To reduce windage you can roll up the sail from the leech and lash it to the forestay/furler.

Brent
Benson Sails