On 12 Aug 2008 18:10:01 -0500, Dave wrote:

I generally cleat off both sheets fairly tight. Then as Roger says, if I'm
expecting a storm or will be gone for a long time I'll add a separate tie
around the sail.

I think that's a good plan for anything up to a full gale or
hurricane. I have seen so many shredded furling sails that I can't
begin to remember them all. It's really important to take them down
before a major wind event.