Mainsail
Classic sailing
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Almost 200 years of experience

Own harbor in Lemmer

Our people sail themselves: recreational and competition

Roller reef mainsail

What is a roller reefed mainsail? This is a mainsail that is stowed (and reefed) by rolling the sail into the mast. The sail is easy to operate by simply rolling it out or away. In addition, it offers very many reefing possibilities because you can set any size of sail imaginable because rolling out or rolling in the sail provides stepless reefing. Because of the great ease of use we see that many ships are often equipped with a roller reefing system.

Ease and safety of furling mainsail

There is no need to leave the cockpit to set the mainsail, set a binding reef or stow it. You simply roll the sail back into the mast or boom. This means comfortable and safe sailing for you and your passengers.

Types of roller reefed mainsail

There are several furling mainsail options. Roughly we can divide them into: rolling in the mast, rolling behind the mast, rolling in the boom, or rolling around the boom. The rolling reef system for in the mast is the most used system. The other options are also available, please contact us if you want to discuss which variant is most suitable for your sailboat.

Roller reef mainsail De Vries Maritiem Lemmer

Sailmaker De Vries Maritiem has been making sails for almost 200 years, and we have been offering roller reefing systems since they were first introduced to the market. We always thoroughly research new techniques and ensure optimal quality and performance. Our developed jib sails and jib reefing systems are very well known in the market.

Advantages roller reefed mainsail

Comparing a roller reefed mainsail to a conventional mainsail: that's an interesting comparison. What are the advantages of a roller reefed mainsail?

  • A roller reefed mainsail is very easy to reef, it requires only a few simple actions. Reefing a conventional mainsail requires more work and actions. 
  • Very many reef possibilities by providing infinite reefing positions for the roll out and roll in.
  • Easy storage of the mainsail. Because the sail disappears into the mast, you do not need to store it further with, for example, a hood.
  • No flapping of the sail, making the sail last longer.
  • The sail is well-protected inside the mast against weathering. 

In summary, when ease of use is most important, we can say that roller mainsails are a very good option compared to a conventional mainsail.

Disadvantages roller reefed mainsail

So many people, so many wishes! Of course there are also disadvantages to a roller reefing system. We list the most important ones here:

  • A furling mainsail has fewer options in terms of design because it must remain furled. For example, horizontal battens are not an option.
  • Because the sail can be less stiff, there can be just a little less speed from the sail at times. In general, sail performance is less than with a conventional mainsail. 
  • The sail area is less than that of a conventional mainsail.
  • If the sail becomes too bulky (when the sail gets sailed out), due to long and frequent use, it must be replaced because otherwise it will not roll up properly.

Do you have questions about the pros and cons of a roller reef system? We are happy to answer them! Get in touch with us, for example by giving us a call. 

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Options roller mainsail

For every ship we make a perfect rolling mainsail. There are very many options available that we would be happy to discuss with you. Can your sailing style be described as 'cruising'? Then we recommend the material Dacron. The sheets are cut cross-cut and assembled. If you want an even more beautiful profile, you can choose our tri-radial cut roller mainsail which we cut from a laminate cloth or foil. 

A roller mainsail is fitted as standard with:

  • A tendon (lufftape) to the luff
  • Nylon band for the neck and top corner
  • Stainless steel press sleeve in the clew (possibly reinforced with pull straps)
  • Something hollow cut backwards
  • Trim line with clamcleat in the leech
  • UV protection on the clew (Fabric color of your choice)
  • Tell-tales on the leech
  • Sailbag

We offer the following possible options, among others:

  • Battens in the leech (parallel to the luff) (this option is only possible if there is enough space available in the mast)
  • Sail sign
  • Sail number
  • Clewage block secured by means of tension straps

Other options are available upon request.

Roller reefing system suitable for my boat?

Do you have a conventional mainsail, and want to know if a roller reefing system would be a possibility for your mainsail and boat? We would be happy to look at all the possibilities together with you. Roughly speaking, roller reefed mainsails are suitable for boats from 30 feet. Also a ship with two masts can make use of roller reefing mainsails.

Do you want to know quickly what the possibilities are for your boat? Send us picture of your boat, boom and mast via Whatsapp, so we can make an initial estimate.

Detail photos