Turn on the Turbo: Seldén Code Zero and Asymmetric Spinnaker Furling Systems
by Susannah Hart, Seldén Mast 6 Mar 2018 08:00 GMT
26 February 2018
Seldén CX is an affordable and reliable furling system © Selden Mast
New technology, as with high fashion, is usually introduced at the top end of the market and initially adopted by trailblazers before elements gradually filter down to the mass market.
The is also true for the introduction of new products in the marine leisure industry. Some of the biggest gains in development in recent years have come from top end yacht racing, for example through the IMOCA 60 Class. Designed to be sailed single or double handed, these remarkably powerful boats needed sail handling and sail changing when shorthanded to be simple, efficient and, above all, safe.
Ten years ago, like many cruising yachts, the IMOCA race boats were using a conventional snuffer system on their downwind sails. This meant that someone had to go forward to the bow to hoist or drop the spinnaker. The development of top down furlers enabled the sail to be handled from the cockpit apart from the initial attachment of the tack and clew.
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 and are extremely easy to use.
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 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 lead all the way back to the cockpit and Seldén offer a purpose built double fairlead and twin cam block for this specific set up.
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 and transmits 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 provide 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.
The power and acceleration achieved when unfurling a Code Zero or an asymmetric spinnaker is fantastic and makes sailing much more fun.
To 'Turn on the Turbo' and find out more about the Seldén GX and CX top down furling systems visit your local Seldén Authorised Dealer or Sailmaker.