On Sat, 3 Sep 2005 21:05:18 -0400, "Guy Viger"
wrote:

I am interested in mainsail furling. The cost of boom reefing is very
high... 10,000 US $ for my Corbin 39. The only other option, that I know
of it behind the mast furling. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
I sail lake champlain in NY.

Consider forgetting mainsail furling altogether. It seems easy but its
a pain in my experience, plus the weight is up high when you don't
want it to be and upwind performance suffers when reefed down - just
when you don't want it to be.

My comments are based on sailing a Bavaria 36 in the Gulf of Lyons
Once reefed the boat would only make 60 or so degrees off the wind
(compared with 45 degrees normally and 35-40 degrees on a Bavaria with
fully battened main and slab reefing). This is due to no roach and no
battens in the sail = no sail shape and reduced sail area.

You'd be better of with a standard main, lazy jacks and a stack pack
if you are short handed. The sail drops and reefing are far easier
once you get it sorted and there's reduced chance of it jamming.

That's my two penny worth as we say over here.