ProFurl SPINEX Guide D'utilisation page 7

FRACTIONAl mAST CONFIGURATION:
When your forestay does not end in the top of the mast we speak of about fractional rig. In this case you can have a top or fractional
hoisted spinnaker.
For a fractional hoisted spinnaker it is important that the halyard exit is located well above the forestay (see drawings no. 3).
For both top and fractional hoisted spinnakers the halyard sheave box should be equally strong or stronger than the working load of
the furling system. If any doubt we advise you to contact the builder or mast manufacturer.
hAlyARD :
The halyard must be at the right size and strength. Operating the top down furler from the cockpit is more comfortable and safer. We
advise not to tie a knot at the end of the halyard because it would not be possible to let the halyard escape out of the mast easily if
the spi falls into the water. It is recommended not use a 2:1 spinnaker halyard.
SheeTS :
your sheets should be long enough to release the spi completely and have it wave in front of the boat without running the sheets out
of the blocks. We advise not to tie knots at the end of the sheets because you must be able to run them out of the blocks easily in case
the spi falls into the water. If you use metal (snap) shackles make sure that they have no sharp edges that can damage the nylon of
the spinnaker.
GeNeRAl :
Nylon is a strong material but easily damaged by point loads. Make sure that you have taped all sharp edges on the boat that could
be in contact with the sail (even at the far end of the boat).
OpeRATIONS
FIRST hOIST :
Furling the sail for the first time on the furler can only be done when the sail is completely hoisted on the mast together with the
furler and the anti torsion rope pulled straight. We advise you to do this first hoist in very light wind conditions and in an area where
you have enough room to maneuver.
Step 1: Make sure that you have attached the sail according to Spinex the installation instruction and that the sheets are not twisted
around the sail.
Step 2: Install the spool on the bow attachment point and run the endless furling line to the back of the boat. Make sure that the fur-
ling line runs free, parallel and is not twisted. In case you use an end (ratchet) block, loose the purchase and connect the snap hook
as far as you can.
In case you use a tack line to pull the spool forward to the end of the bow sprit, make sure that this line has been locked in position.
Step 3: Attach the spi halyard to the SPINEX swivel and hoist them. Make sure that it does not run up between the mast and the
forestay (it should run up outside of the forestay). Ideally when hoisting, sail the boat to an apparent wind angle between 150-160
degrees with the main sail up. In this way the main will shelter the spi from the wind while hoisting.
FIRST FURl :
Step 1: Tension the anti torsion cable straight by pulling on the halyard. Apply enough tension to make it straight and stable but do
not over tension which will only lead to stretch the halyard.
Step 2: Ideally when furling, sail the boat to an apparent wind angle between 150-160 degrees with the main sail up. In this way the
main will shelter the spi from the wind and the apparent wind speed over deck will be lowest.
Step 3: Release the sheets completely (but do not run them out of the blocks !) before furling and let the sail wave in front of the boat.
Step 4: When you use an end (ratchet) block with purchase on the reefing line, tension the purchase to ensure that the furling line
engages in the spool of the furler. Without purchase you do this by pulling on the reefing line with both hands and by maintaining a
light tension during the reefing.
Step 5: Pull the reefing line and do not stop until the complete sail has been furled. It is better to have some turns of the sheets
around the sail.
FURlING DIReCTIONS
You can furl the sail both ways but it is mandatory to reef the same way all times because the anti torsion rope develops a torsion
memory and becomes more efficient over time. When you use a ratchet block it is easy to remember which way to reef because you
will hear a clicking noise. Because of the top down functioning it can take a few seconds before you see the sail being reduced.
wARNING :
• Do not reef the sail partially because this will damage the sail.
• Different from a main sail or jib an asymmetric spinnaker has to be dropped or furled while sailing a downwind course. Especially
in inshore waters we advise you to start furling the spi in well in time when you still have ample room to maneuver.
• While sailing downwind or moderate wind, it is hard to notice when the wind is increasing over the maximum wind speed intended
for the sail. In such conditions we advice to set a true wind speed alarm and furl in the sail when the wind consistently exceeds the
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