Submitted on August 27, 2007 by Tom Delaney

Question: I have a cutter rigged Tayana 55 with a 110 Genoa on a Profurl 52 and a staysail on a Profurl 42. Obviously it is difficult to tack the Genoa through the narrow slot (need to backwind the Genoa against the staysail, then release so it can slip through the slot and then tack the staysail). Not exactly a smooth operation, especially when racing.

I’d like to get rid of the staysail and free up the fore triangle, but hesitate to do it since I need the staysail when the wind pressure is up. Do you recommend the Profurl EC system? Will the luff be strong enough not to blow off? Can I use my current roller furling staysail? Thank you.

Tom Delaney

Answer: Hello Tom,

Your thoughts are right on track. The Profurl EC system, will allow you to keep your staysail furled and in a bag when not in use. You will need to modify your staysail by add a high modulus luff rope that will become the "soft headstay" . The luff rope is built into the front of the sail. Our Huntington loft can modify the sail with the soft headstay to accept the furling system and supply a proper bag to fly it out of. Harken, Karver and Facnor also make furling units that work well and are worth looking at.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Tom Castiglione

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