The mainsail is one of the two sailis found on the most popular single mast yachts. The furling mainsail is one in which the stiffening bars of the sail are mounted vertically. This allows the sail to be rolled up smoothly. Instead of lowering the mainsail to the boom, it is hidden inside the mast. The mast (empty inside) has an axle to which the sail is attached. The line and transmission are used to spin the axle, which rotates while rolling the sail. It resembles the way a window blind works.

What should you know?

• Rolled mainsail allows for easy and quick setting, unsetting and reefing of the sail.
• Rolled mainsail works less effectively than a classic batten mainsail, although it is not very important in tourist swimming.
• When rolling the sail, you need to be careful not to let it get stuck in the mast.