Using Wykeham Martin furling gear

The angel, just enough weight to keep the line on the drum

The Wykeham Martin furling gear is often viewed as a tricky piece of kit, but there are ways to get the best out of it. To begin with put plenty of furling line around the drum. Enough turns will ensure that it can be rolled away with a couple of rolls of sheet holding the sail together. We found that using dyneema in the luff in lieu of a luff wire really helps to maintain even tension across the sail when you furl it. The dyneema is stitched into the luff; it makes the sail easier to handle as well. When using the Wykeham gear you need to keep some tension on the furling line and so we use a simple “furling angel” this as shown is a shackle on a carabiner which gives just enough weight to stop the furling line from jumping and falling off the drum. These are the secrets to success with your Wykeham Martin.

By Nick Beck of Pilot Cutter Amelie Rose