In-mast
names from
the past
A
s well as systems that are still
made, there are plenty of others
you might find fitted to older
boats. A popular behind-the-mast
add-on was Paul Trickett’s EasyReef,
supplied with his MaxiRoach mainsail.
Paul sold the MaxiRoach name to
Sanders Sails some years ago but
still has a few extrusions left.
Proctor used to make a fairly basic
in-mast system, found on some of the
older Nicholson models. Also seen on
larger boats including Oysters were
those from Hood Yacht Systems, which
sailmakers tend to like because of the large
exit slot in the mast. Large slots allow the
use of stiffer battens and generous cloth
weights, which can create too much
thickness for masts with narrower slots.
If a sail is too thick it simply won’t wind in
or out or, at the very least, will be more
prone to jamming.
Romar in The Netherlands made in-mast
reefing at one stage – as did another
Dutch company, Rondal – but have now
moved to in-boom systems for larger
boats. More familiar names in the UK
include Profurl and Rotostay, both of
whom made external, behind-the-mast
systems that looked a bit like headsail
roller-reefing kits attached at the
gooseneck and masthead.EasyReef behind-the-mast systems
were supplied with MaxiRoach
mainsails and are often seen on
smaller boatsSeldén
The only system available in the UK with a tensioned luff spar, Seldén’s Furlin
RB comes in sizes to suit yachts up to around 24m (80ft). Earlier versions have
untensioned luff spars. Because of the bearing at the top of the luff spar with the
new systems, inspection is recommended every five years, though some have
gone for much longer without being touched. Access points are built into the
mast where lubrication is needed.
The sail should be lowered to allow the halyard swivel to be greased together
with the bottom bearing once a year. Reaching the top bearing means taking
the head-box off the mast. This is usually done when the standing rigging is
due for replacement.
PRICE (APPROX. FOR 10M/33FT YACHT): £6,000-£6,500
Z Spars
Z Spars’ system uses a helical
drum at the base, with the halyard
swivel at the top of an untensioned
luff spar. An annual rinse in warm
soapy water is recommended for
the bearing and drum. It has been
used on boats up to 21m (70ft).
Wider slots on the new masts
will allow them to accept
fully-battened sails, which has not
always been the case with the old
sections. Check before buying a
fully-battened sail.PRICE (APPROX. FOR
10M/33FT YACHT): £3,600
http://www.zsparsuk.comSparcraft
Sparcraft’s Stoway masts are for sections up to 23m (76ft) in length.
With an untensioned luff spar, maintenance is relatively simple: the
halyard swivel and helical drum should be inspected periodically and
given an annual rinse in fresh water, and the furling line can easily be
replaced when the need arises.PRICE (APPROX. FOR 10M/33FT YACHT): £6,000
http://www.sparcraft.comFacnor
Made for boats from 6-16m
(20-52ft), Facnor’s Compact
F is added to the back of an
existing mast. The housing
comes in lengths of 1.7m (5ft
7in) that slide up the track.
A line-drive just above the
gooseneck rotates the luff
spar, with the halyard swivel
acting as the swivel at the
top. Earlier systems used an
internal halyard. No holes
need to be drilled in the mast
and the system can be fitted
with the rig in place.PRICE (APPROX. FOR
10M/33FT YACHT):
£2,500
http://www.facnor.comBamar
Behind-the-mast reefing system.
http://www.bamar.itSeamanship – in-mast reefing
AT A GLANCE: Who offers what?