So, you finally upgraded from the traditional "Hank on" sail to a Roller Furler. Congrats!

This article is intended to help you understand what to expect from your Alado (or any brand for that matter) Roller Furler.

Here are some basic rules to follow to make life easier and safer for you and your crew.

Before Unfurling...Plan your sail

• Pre-determine how much sail area you want to deploy. If in doubt, it is easier to deploy less sail and let out more later once you have a better feel.
• Consider the relative wind and remember that the Jib Sheets are doing the "heavy lifting" by turning the drum and allowing the sail to unfurl. At the same time as this is happening, the control line is being wrapped around the drum. 
• As the sail is being unfurled, the control line must be payed out with some tension to prevent overlapping of the control line in the drum. If you are single handed, you might consider unfurling into the wind to relieve pressure and allow you to handle both the sheet and control line. Too fast an unfurl, may cause skin burn to the person on the control line if not wearing gloves and not using a winch.

Adjusting and Furling In...

• A general rule of thumb is under 5 knots of wind, you should be able to furl in easily in any relative wind scenario. Remember that the Jib Sheets now require the tensioning, and the control line is doing the "heavy lifting" of pulling the sail.
• Between 10 and 15 knots of wind, consider pointing into wind and using a tiller or wheel lock or an autopilot allowing you to use both hands if single handed and to relieve crew stress.

Fair Winds....

The Alado Team 443-810-8366