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We discuss important topics with marine industry experts who share their opinions and top tips to help you get the most from your boating. ty s ey
However, the key to the performance of a top-down furling system is dependent on the torsional rigidity of the anti-torsion cable that connects the drum and the halyard swivel, transmitting the rotation of the drum enabling the furling to start at the top and work its way down. Imagine a figure skater spinning – they are taut and keep their limbs as close to their midline as possible so that they can turn quickly and fluidly - they are not limp. Seldén provides the most rigid anti-torsion rope on the market, three times more efficient than the second best, and it is included with all GX furlers. Really turning on the turbo, the power and acceleration achieved when unfurling a Code Zero or an asymmetric spinnaker is fantastic and makes sailing much more fun. www.seldenmast.com/products/ downwind-furling-systems
All images: Boat Club Trafalgar
IMPROVE CRUISING PERFORMANCE & SAFETY Michael Calvert, aftermarket sales manager at Seldén Mast, explains how to improve downwind cruising performance safely, whether you are sailing along the coast or crossing oceans. Top-down furlers
Technology filters down, designed for the cruising sailor like the Seldén CX
N
ew technology, as with high fashion, is usually introduced at the top end of the market and initially adopted by trailblazers before elements filter down to the mass market. This is also true of new products introduced in the marine leisure industry. Much of the development in cruising
sailing performance in recent years has come from high end yacht racing, for example through the popular IMOCA 60 Class. Designed to be sailed single or double-handed in races such as the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race, these remarkably powerful boats needed sail handling when shorthanded to be simple, efficient and, above all, safe.
Just 15 years ago, like many cruising yachts, the IMOCA race boats were using a snuffer system on their downwind sails, meaning someone had to go forward to hoist or drop the spinnaker. The development of topdown furlers enabled the sail to be handled from the cockpit apart from the initial tack and clew attachment. This technology has filtered down to the cruising market with affordable and reliable furling systems, such as the Seldén CX and GX, designed specifically for the needs of the cruising sailor. Being able to remain in the confines of the cockpit when sail handling, especially at night or when cruising solo, is also a big win in terms of safety at sea. The sail can be attached and set up whilst still in the marina. You then simply hoist the furled sail, release the furling line, pull on the sheet and you have added power to your sailing, increasing downwind performance and creating a positive and enjoyable on water experience for your crew. The Seldén GX and CX are operated with an endless furling line running over a line driver drum. The furling line can be led all the way back to the cockpit and Seldén offers a purpose-built double fairlead and twin cam block for this specific set up.
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The Seldén GX and CX are operated with an endless furling line running over a line driver drum
s te y as fi tere down to the cruising market t a r a e a re a e furling systems.”
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