Submitted on November 13, 2005 by Alan P Kefauver

Question: Hello,

I recently purchased a 1975 Pearson 39 Yawl. The boat came with an older Shaefer wire luff furling system. In a recent wind storm the sail broke loose and opened and flogged itself to death. I want to replace it with a modern furling system and new sail. I also have a fairly new North hank on 110-120% jib and a North hank on storm jib. What furling system would you recommend? I think I want a 150-160% Genoa that can be partially furled in heavy weather. I want to be able to still use the 110 and storm sail where necessary. Cruising only.

Thanks,
Alan P Kefauver

Answer: Hi Alan,

Pretty much any of the furling systems using luff foils on the market today are a safe bet. Roller furling has been around for long enough that the inferior brands have been improved or starved out of the market. Just make sure you choose a system that is correctly sized for your boat and that can be easily serviced in the areas you intend to visit. Your hank on sails can be converted to a luff tape to fit the foil that you choose.

Bob Read (father of North Sails VP, Kenny Read) races a Pearson 39 yawl on Narragansett Bay with great success. We all have a soft spot for that design.

Regards,
Dan Neri

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