| The Roll-Gen is a unique furling system for all types of free-flying asymmetrical headsails. It consists of a rope "stay" with a halyard swivel at the highest point and a drum at the tack connection. The Roll-Gen assembly, with sail safely furled, can be stored in a sail bag until required. When the "need for speed" is imminent, the spinnaker halyard is attached, the tack fitting clipped on, the sheets run, and the whole assembly is hoisted. A continuous (endless) control line is led back to the cockpit to facilitate sail deployment and furling, and the crew can then retire to the safety of the cockpit. Deployment, or unfurling, is a simple matter of pulling on the "out" control line until the wind catches the sail and takes over the job. To furl the sail, the sheet is eased, the "in" control line in the cockpit is pulled, and the sail is rolled (furled) safely around the stay, starting at the top and working down. When completely furled, the whole assembly can be either left up untill needed again, or dropped and stored below.
Once hoisted, the sail can be furled and unfurled all day at will, without anyone leaving the safety of the cockpit! |
