electric sailboat furler

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Downwind Furling systems

Cxe is a 2-speed electric-powered code 0 furler that will furl your sail in 10 seconds at the push of a button. handling a code sail has never been easier..

Having a furling Code 0 sail set on the bowsprit will deliver the joy that powerful and efficient sailing provides. Combined with a furling jib you will have the ultimate headsail wardrobe from broad reaching to beating upwind, all without leaving the cockpit. The addition of push button convenience guarantees an effortless sailing experience.

On Deck or Through Deck

CXe can be integrated into the bow or bowsprit with a through-deck (TD) installation. This permanent installation is always available, ready for the furled sail to be connected.

The On-Deck installation of CXe requires no modification of the deck or bowsprit. Just attach it to a pad-eye and connect the cable on deck or in the anchor locker.

On the technical side

Converting 12V or 24V to 42V. SEL-Bus is a can-bus system with software that combines intelligence and power on board to sense and adapt loads for maximum efficiency and safety. Once you have installed. SEL-Bus you can connect additional functions and run them all on the same PSU. 42V allows for smaller power cables (6 mm2) and a compact brushless motor.

“The CXe45 is exceptionally easy to handle, partly because of the high speed when furling the sail. It takes effortless sail handling in light air to a whole new level.“

Magnus Rassy, CEO and owner of Hallberg-Rassy Varvs AB

CXe25 OD, CXe45 OD

CXe25 TD, CXe45 TD

CXe leaflet
CXe installation & operation
Sailmaker’s Guide CXe page 58

THE POWER LOAD

The power and acceleration achieved when unfurling a Code 0 or an asymmetric spinnaker is spectacular. It will make your sailing more fun. Simply hoist the furled sail, release the furling line, pull on the sheet and you have added horse power to your sailing and given your crew a positive sailing experience. To furl the sail, ease the sheet, pull the continuous furling line and secure it in the purpose made Twin Cam block. Once the sail is furled it can be neatly dropped and coiled into a bag or left hoisted for later use. Seldén provide all necessary accessories for safe and carefree furling of “off-the-wind” sails.

FURLING SYSTEMS FOR CODE ZERO

Furling systems for asymmetric spinnakers.

SELDÉN GX, FOR TOP-DOWN FURLING OF AN ASYMMETRIC SPINNAKER/GENNAKER

Seldén GX drum and halyard swivel and an AT-cable is included in the kit.

The drum and the halyard swivel are permantly fitted to the sail with the Seldén line lock. Connect the drum to the bow and the spinnaker halyard to the halyard swivel. Lead the furling line to the cockpit by using Seldén Double Fairleads on the stanchions, tighten the furling line and secure it in the Twin-Cam block. Thereafter hoist the furled sail

SELDÉN CX, FOR CODE 0

The AT-cable is integrated in the luff of the sail and thimbles connect the luff to the drum and to the halyard swivel. Special Cable clamps are required to fit the thimbles to the Seldén AT-cable. A dedicated halyard for Code 0 is required and 2:1 purchase is recommended to obtain the required luff tension and to reduce the load on the halyard sheave and on the line stoppers. The drum and the furling line can be permanently mounted to the bow and along the stanchions.

TOP-DOWN FURLING MADE EASY

Seldén CX, for top-down furling of an asymmetric spinnaker/gennaker.

This is an alternative to GX allowing the drum and the furling line to be mounted permanently. Snap in the furled gennaker and hoist it using the spinnaker/gennaker halyard.

A Seldén CX drum is combined with a Free Tack Adapter and a GX halyard swivel, both of them with Seldén line lock. The furled sail with the Adapter is connected to the drum and the sail is hoisted with the spinnaker halyard. The drum and the furling line can be permanently mounted to the bow and along the stanchions. When preparing the gennaker for hoisting, half the job is already done.

Seldén CX, for Code 0 & top-down furling of an asymmetric spinnaker/gennaker.

This is an all-in-one solution for the sailor using both Code 0 and gennaker and prefers using one halyard for both applications.

A Seldén CX drum and halyard swivel for thimbles are used both for the Code 0 sail and an additional gennaker. Connect the sail suitable for the prevailing conditions to the drum and to the halyard swivel and hoist the furled sail using the Code 0 halyard. The Free Tack Adapter is permanently fitted to the tack of the asymmetric spinnaker/gennaker with the Seldén line lock. The drum and the furling line can be permanently mounted to the bow and along the stanchions.

ACCESSORIES

Please see our support site for accessories.

CX & GX
Assembly of Line-Lock
CX10 – Installation & operation
CX15 – Installation & operation
CX25 – Installation & operation
CX45 – Installation & operation
Dimensioning guide
GX – Installation & operation
RM-calculator
Sailmakers guide CX/GX (page 58-59)
General conditions of sale >
Product recalls >

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Electric Furler from Facnor - latching on the trend of boat electrification

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EJF has been developed combining technology and design. The evolution of technology in the sailing world grows more and more towards semiautomatic mechanisms which satisfy the demand for performance, reliability and quality.

Bamar presents this new line of electric foresail Furlers that guarantee unique specifications, increased torque force, easy installation, low maintenance, thus improving comfort and safety onboard.

The reversible furling is based on a epicyclical mechanism to obtain high performance efficiency, whereas a magnetic brake (E/M) guarantees the mechanical lock both after complete furling in, and in any reefed sail position.

Standard bodies of the EJF series are made from black hardcote anodized aluminium alloy.

Polished s.s. available upon demand.

Foresail Furler

Easy installation, low maintenance, made in italy, choose your model., related products.

Rollgen Stay Kit

Double Lashing Pin

Specifications.

Model	A mm	B mm	C mm	D1 mm	D2 mm	E mm	F mm	Ø G mm
1	98	-	198	437	-	-	-	52
2 - 2 C	146	80	296	580	827	258	150	72
3 - 3 C	196	155	396	700	986	162	155	104

Model	1	2 - 2 C	3 - 3 C
Max forestay wire Ø mm	14	26	32
Equivalent in # rod	-48	-76/-91	-115/-150
Clevis pin Ø mm	15,6/25	25/34,6	custom
Foil type	BMG40 - 50R - BMG52	BMG - 60 - 70 - 80	BMG 90 - 110
Weight kg	20	65 - 95	120 - 195
Max sail area (m2 150%)	100	220	310
Max stay length (suggested) m	26	33	44

File	Action
Instruction manual EJF 3
Instruction manual EJF 2C -3C
Instruction manual EJF 1 - 2

Are you looking for a quotation?

Bamar may guarantee a 360° service, starting from a simple request made by the client, to end up with the final product.

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EC/EF+ ranges

In order to furl sails easier, Facnor offers furling electrical motorizations EC & EF+ for boats from 29′ and HF hydraulic models (from 46′ up to more than 69′). Whatever configuration and reefing assistance chosen for your sailboat, motorization will bring a great comfort in navigation, especially on big units but also on smaller units.

Advantages of the ec & ef+ electric motorized heasail furler.

⊕ Strong & waterproof drive unit. No specific maintenance required. ⊕ Optimized power (max 800 W, speed 30 to 55 t/min) ⊕ Low energy consumption & reduced noise level ⊕ Fitted over the existing forestay without cutting ⊕ Easy retrofit : motorization kit for converting Facnor manual (LS 165 – 330) into electric EC or EF+

⊕ Foredeck clear for anchor (depending on configuration) or sheet handlings ⊕ Available in 12 and 24V (except EC70 / 24V only) with relay box ⊕ International 3-year Warranty ( see Terms of sales)

EC MULTI-MOTORS FURLER from 29’

Simple upgrade path from Facnor manual units (similar dimensions) and adding electric connexion. Depending on the configuration, it is therefore not necessary to change the sections and the swivel. In addition, its innovative concept – multi-motor – makes it more accessible in terms of comfort / price ratio.

The standard kit (see below) includes a relay box and a circuit breaker

Learn more : EC commercial sheeet

EF+ ELECTRIC HEADSAIL FURLER, from 45’

> Same characteristics as for the EC range except for a single-engine motorization .

> This silent and robust motorization will bring you great navigation comfort and a low consumption.

> See below for assembly (toggle& stainless steel link plates)

> Two models : EF+550 & EF+600

Complete kit with Relay box (included):

– electric furler with drive unit , link plates and toggle

– sections kit, swivel and halyard deflector wheel

– relay box (between the power supply and the furler)

– specific marine circuit breaker (in case of overheating)

Learn more about the kit Kit Relay Box/ Circuit breaker

MODELS & SPECIFICATIONS

Boat Length	Forestay ø	Section / Swivel	Model Ref.	Forestay Length	Power Rotation speed (max)	Amperage / Voltage
	8 mm	SX 39 / C 39	EC 39 SX 39 (12 / 24 V)	14 m 50	400 W 40 RPM	40 A / 12 V 20 A / 24 V
	10 mm*	SX 39 / C 39	EC 39 SX 39 (12 / 24 V)	16 m 50	400 W 40 RPM	40 A / 12 V 20 A / 24 V
	12 mm	SX 47 / C 47	EC 47 SX 47 (12 / 24 V)	18 m 50	800 W 55 RPM	40 A / 24 V 80 A / 12 V
	12,7 mm	SX 47 / C 47	EC 47 SX 47 (12 / 24 V)	20 m 50	800 W 55 RPM	40 A / 24 V 80 A / 12 V
	12,7 mm	SX 47 / C 47	EF+550 SX 47 (12 / 24 V)	18 m 50	800 W (12V) 1200 W (24V) 33 RPM	60 A / 12 V 30 A / 24 V
	14 mm*	SX 47 / C 47	EF+550 SX 47 (12 / 24 V)	20 m 50	800 W (12V) 1200 W (24V) 33 RPM	60 A / 12 V 30 A / 24 V
	16 mm* / 19 mm*	SX 53 / C 600	EF+600 SX 53 (12 / 24 V)	20 m 50	800 W (12V) 1200 W (24V) 33 RPM	60 A / 12 V 40 A / 24 V
	16 mm* / 19 mm*			22 m 50
	22 mm*			22 m 50
	22 mm*			24 m 50
	19 mm*	SX 53 / C 600	EC 70 SX 53 (24 V)	26 m 50	1500 W (24V) 60 RPM	80 A / 24 V
	22 mm	SX 53 / C 600	EC 70 SX 53 (24 V)	28 m 50	1500 W (24V) 60 RPM	80 A / 24 V
Remote control : wired or radio version : see options					RPM : Rotations Per Minute
*Installation with swage rigging screw or "manual"

ASSEMBLY & OPTIONS

EC39-47 INSTALLATION MANUAL

EF+550-600 INSTALLATION MANUAL

EC RELAY BOX INSTALLATION MANUAL

EF RELAY BOX INSTALLATION MANUAL

SEE OTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS

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Facnor Electric Furler - latching on the trend of boat electrification

The sailing world is undergoing a sea change, embracing the power of electrification for unparalleled ease and convenience, especially for older crews and solo sailors. Electric systems are revolutionising boats, from lithium-ion battery improvements to automation in rigging systems. Electric furler for headsail is now common, making sail handling more effortless than ever.

Electric furler riding the electrification wave

Boats of all sizes are getting electrified, with electric winches and furling systems leading the charge. Electric and hydraulic motorized furlers have been a staple for larger boats for decades, offering a reliable solution when dealing with oversized sails in challenging conditions. These innovations are essential to maintaining sail integrity in high winds.

Facnor FXE Electric Furler: Setting Sail into the Future

In 2022, Facnor made waves at the METS Boatshow in Amsterdam with the introduction of the Facnor FXE 4500 electric furler. Although they joined the electric furler revolution later than some competitors, they've made a significant impact with their innovative approach. Facnor now offers two models - the FXE 4500 and FXE 7000, designed for Code Sails up to 250 M².

Exploring the Facnor FXE range: Compact Powerhouse

The FXE 4500 isn't your typical electric furler; it's a compact powerhouse that seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with simplicity. Let's delve into its key features and benefits:

Key Features:

Streamlined Design: A compact, lightweight build (FXE 4500 weighs only 4 kg) with a protective cover featuring a robust carry handle for effortless manoeuvring.
Waterproof Perfection: Fully waterproof electric connection for swift and straightforward installation and removal from the bowsprit.
Seamless Transition: Identical jaw design to the FX+4500 manual furler makes switching from manual to electric easy.
Control in Your Hands: Choose between wired or wireless controllers for added convenience.
Complete Kit: The package includes a relay box, circuit breaker, 7-meter wire, deck plugging, and a storage bag.

Electrifying Your Sailing Experience

Image copyright - Facnor

The Facnor FXE Code Zero electric furler offers several distinct advantages. While the FXE 4500 boasts impressive speed, it's essential to understand that furling speed may be slightly reduced under load, approximately 20%. However, with top-down adapters available, it's essential to note that electric furlers are not recommended for top-down furling, where speed is paramount. This electric furler consumes only 30-35 Ah under load, available in both 12 and 24 Volts for flexibility, which makes it great in power efficiency.

This electric furler from Facnor is another game-changer in the world of electrified furling. Its ease of use and installation, together with its compact design, make it a great choice for sailors looking to harness the power of electrification at sea.

Unlocking the Power of Electrification with electric furler

Many retiring sailors find that opting for electric winches and furling systems serves a practical, performance-driven purposes. As age comes it becomes more difficult to handle some of the strength requiring tasks. These electric systems can have a substantial impact, allowing you to enjoy sailing longer in one’s life with more ease.

The growing popularity of electric winches and furling systems extends beyond headsail, encompassing mainsail furlers and light-air sails. With modern boats now equipped with larger batteries and supplementary power sources such as solar panels, the electrical capacity to accommodate these systems is readily available. The sailing world is fully embracing electrification, with powered furlers leading the charge.

You can now buy the latest Facnor FXe 4500 and FXe7000 electric furlers and radio control unit in our shop! Click the link below to see the range:

ELECTRIC FURLERS

If you have any questions about Facnor FXe electric furler or need help choosing one of the products on our website, please feel free to email us at [email protected] to talk to one of our experts.

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The Harken Reflex furling system is a game changer! The previous generation of free-flying sail furlers often resulted in partial or uneven furling. Patented Harken Reflex furlers provide sailors confidence that their free-flying spinnakers, gennakers, and code sails will furl with speed and control. The result? Sailors use downwind sails more often—even when sailing shorthanded. The compact drive unit is easier to handle than other designs. Pull the furling line and the drive unit reacts reflexively to rotate the torsion cable, immediately transferring torque to the head swivel without unwanted corkscrewing delaying the response. The head swivel reacts instantly, spinning the sail smoothly and completely from top to bottom for an even roll-up and super-tight wrap. The furled spinnaker lowers easily to the deck, ready for the next hoist.

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Categories BRANDS Selden Yacht Furlex Selden Furlex 304E Headsail Electric Furler System

Selden furlex 304e headsail electric furler system.

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Description

Selden's electric Furlex, with its attractive combination of aluminium, composite and stainless steel, adds more than a touch of style to any yacht. The smooth lines are not only pleasing to the eye, they also make Furlex very durable and easy on the sail and on the sailor.

Furlex VR Super Store Disclaimer (UK customers only - for overseas purchases please contact your local Selden dealer ):

The Virtual Rigger team strongly advises that when purchasing a Selden Furlex system you seek initial clarification from the VR Super Store to ensure that the Furlex is suitable for your yacht. The Selden Furlex system has been designed to be self-built - fitting and installation of the Furlex system is the responsibility of the purchaser. Please read thoroughly the included (and downloadable) manual for full safety procedures and instructions.

Electric and Electric Upgrades will require supplementary items unless already fitted - please see Features for further information.

All Furlex packs are standard - please contact the VR Super Store if you require the 'Extended' pack for a quote and availability.

For expert rigging advice or onsite Rigger Service please contact the VR Support Crew via [email protected] or call +44 (0)1753 681941. NOTE: Due to abnormal length, all Furlex purchases will require a specialist courier - Virtual Rigger reserves the right to add any additional charges for dispatching.

Furlex electric is intended only for sail furling purposes together with Seldén furling profiles, controlled by Seldén’s 42V motor drive system. The installation should be done by a person with marine installations skills.

Furlex Electric is available as a complete kit for both on-deck and through-deck installation.

The electric system is also available as an upgrade of an existing Furlex by replacing the furling line, drum and line guard assembly with the Furlex Electric Motor unit and related parts in the Furlex Electric Retrofit pack.

Low power consumption - High efficiency throughout the electric power and control system. A “sleep mode” is activated to save power when not in operation.

Powerful enough, but with precise torque limitation - The electric motor has a computerised controller that monitors the current draw precisely. As soon as it reaches a pre-set level it cuts out quickly enough to avoid damage to components. The torque level is programmed into a memory chip so that each size of Furlex Electric has the correct setting.

Resistant to the marine environment - Furlex Electric has an outer cover made of an impact- and UV- resistant composite polymer. The worm gear is enclosed in a corrosion resistant aluminum housing. The electric motor has its own housing which is completely sealed and individually pressure tested before delivery.

Two speed operation - A double control button makes it possible to operate the furler with great precision in the low speed mode. By pushing both buttons at the same time, high speed is activated.

Locks in both directions - The worm gear is self-locking (40:1) in both directions, which means that the sail can be furled from either the starboard, or the port side of the boat.

Emergency operation - The worm gear has a 1⁄2” socket that can be reached from the starboard side. Seldén’s emergency line driver is included in the delivery kit.

Compact size - minimised weight and dimensions - The electric motor is compact, still giving enough power. This is made possible by raising the voltage up to 42V. Keeping weight and the dimensions in focus during the design has resulted in a small unit.

The Furlex system consists of a basic pack with drum unit, halyard swivel, sail feeder, bearing halves, top guard and furling rope. Also included is a foil pack with luff extrusions, distance tubes, connectors and a complete forestay. The top is already fitted with a swage eye, and the kit includes your chosen Sta-Lok bottom fitting (Eye or Adjuster)

Halyard Swivel
Lower Swivel
Protect Hose Diameter 30mm
Emergency Line Drive
Top Bearing Assembly
Bearing Plug Forward
Bearing Plug Aft
Sailfeeder Assembly
Deck Gland Kit
Locking Adhesive
Halyard U-Lead Kit
Prefeeder Pack
Lubricating Grease
Torx Bit Set
Connection Box/ Cable Glands
Luff extrusions
Distance tubes
Joining sleeves
Connecting plates
or Adjuster
Wire Diameter: 8-10mm
Furlex Length: 15.35 - 20.10m
Selden PSU Boat Start Pack
Selden MCU Drive Unit Control Pack

(Not included with the standard pack) - The Extended pack also includes: Halyard leads, stanchion blocks, pre-feeder pack and Torx bit set (these can be purchased seperately via the VR Super Store team - please contact on 01753 681941 or [email protected])

Selden 204E & 304E Furlex Supplementary Manual
Selden Furlex Electric Information Sheets
Selden Product Information Manual - 104S - 404S
Manual and Spare Parts List - 204S & 304S
Selden Power Supply Information Manual

Installing an electric Furlex - see below for detailed videos from Selden

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£3,509.90 / pack(s) *	£4,871.90 / pack(s) *	2,394.90 / pack(s) *
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New Twist on Furlers: New Generation of Roller-Furling Systems For Light-Air-Sails Skip the Fixed Stays

Practical sailor tests new free-flying furlers that allow light-air sails-from drifters to spinnakers to code zeros-to be set and dropped with relative ease..

Roller furling makes headsail handling a whole lot easier, but it also results in a significant loss in light-air efficiency. This stems from the fact that the light No. 1 genoa and the hank-on drifter/reacher have become orphans without a stay on which to hank. The process of peeling a boltrope-fed genoa out of a furler slot and replacing it with another, even larger sail is an arduous task at best, one that makes a traditional hank-on headsail swap seem like easy business.

The real problem, however, begins when the breeze kicks up and the excess sail area of the lightweight sail must be diminished, not by roller reefing, but by dropping the sail and replacing it again with the heavyweight genoa. This swap involves sails that lack hanks, and do not remain tethered to a headstay while being doused. Light-air, loose-luff sails love to go over the side. Because of these issues, many sailors reluctantly accept the poor, low-end performance of a fairly flat cut, heavy furling genoa, and make up for its shortfalls with diesel fuel.

A new generation of light-air roller-furling sails aims to resolve these issues. They require no fixed stay, and on a properly equipped boat, can be set, furled, doused, and dropped with relative ease. Interestingly, these new gennaker or code zero furlers share some similarities with early, forgettable jib furler designs.

Before roller-furling headsail gear evolved into the safe, reliable equipment of today, there was quite a bit of experimentation with foil-less, swiveling head-and-tack systems that allowed sails with sewn-in wire luffs to function as both a furling mechanism and a permanent headstay. This “all the eggs in one basket” scenario had a downside that was much more serious than the prospect of a torn headsail. Early malfunctions resulted in the industry shift to slotted foils that were placed over a permanent headstay-a decision that ushered in a safe, reliable roller-furling revolution.

However, a new twist on the old technology drew attention during a re-start sequence of Race 2 in the 2000 Americas Cup, when the Kiwis dragged a bag onto the foredeck of their AC boat and set a sail that set a new standard in light-air performance.

The crafty New Zealanders had baited the stylish Italians aboard Prada into following them on a long hitch away from the starting line. The breeze was light, and as soon as the Kiwis tacked, they hoisted a lightweight, furled-on-itself headsail coined a “code zero.”

It unrolled with a whoosh and left the Italians in the proverbial dust. As the two boats headed toward the start line, it was indeed a rabbit and turtle race. Contrary to folklore, the Kiwis proved to be a smart rabbit, and the gains they made with the code zero and their consummate sailing skills still stand today.

What We Tested

Our testing focused on the assumption that if light-air sails could be made easier to handle and offer better performance, more cruisers and day sailors would opt to expand their sail inventory. Asymmetric spinnakers, gennakers, and good old lightweight drifter/reachers have been around for a while, but the latest trend is to take a few lessons from the Kiwis and grand prix racers around the world and stick them on a sprit. And by toning down the dimensions a bit, the result was a tame version of the sport-boat sail plan that can up the average sailors light-air fun.

We tested seven models. Five of the units we tested were head-swivel and tack-drum designs with the sail luff acting as the torsion-inducing member. In conventional roller-furling designs, a slotted, rotating foil sleeves the headstay, connecting the tack drum and the head swivel, and causing the head and tack of the headsail to rotate almost simultaneously, even though the torque is introduced only at the tack point.

Many sprit-furlers are linked by only the sail luff, and are designed to operate without metal torsion tubes. They cause the sail to start furling from the tack upward, because it takes a few wraps to cause the luff to transfer the torque. Of those we tested, only Cruising Designs Inc.s (CDI) Spinnaker Furler and Bamars Roll-Gen incorporate a torque rope connection between the swivel and the drum, along with a unique swivel process that causes all of the torsion generated by pulling the endless line to be transmitted to the head of the sail. Therefore, the furling becomes a top-down rather than a bottom-up process.

All test units except the Schaefer 650 used an endless loop of Dacron to rotate the furling drum. The taper used in creating the end-to-end splice was crucial, because any increase in line diameter became very apparent as the line traveled through the friction groove in the drive drum. Line lead was also of paramount importance, and by either splicing bullet blocks into the endless loop, or using small snatch blocks, it was easy to keep the run of the endless loop fair, and make line handling more efficient.

Bamars Roll-Gen is similar in operation to the CDI furler. It incorporates a caged drum, eliminating any issues with a furling line jumping, and a mechanical end-of-line clamp that allows an owner to cut the torque line to fit the exact length of the sail it will be used with.

Another interesting feature of the system is its ability to be used as either a torsion-rope furler intended for loose-luff assyms, or to be used without the torque rope as a drum-and-swivel furling system for code sails and drifter/reachers. The key to this dual capability is the simple quick release of the torsion rope, inversion of the head swivel and removal of the anti-rotation rod. This allows the head of the sail to spin freely, while the tack drum induces the twist moment to the luff of the sail.

This hardware flip-flop changes where the torque is directed, and extends the furling process along the length of the luff, rather than a top-down affair.

Bottom Line: Fittings are well thought-out, and the overall construction of the unit is excellent. Testers also liked the duality of the unit and rated it as a Recommended product.

The Colligo Cn-5 is a large, nicely machined and finished piece of gear thats boldly anodized and exceptionally smooth in operation. The large diameter of the drum wheel increases torque, magnifying the rotational effect from a given amount of line pull. Testers found the head swivel equally smooth running, but it is also big. When setting and dousing, testers concern for their noggins rose in proportion with head swivel size. The unit we tested was large enough to function quite well aboard a boat much larger than our 41-foot test boat. It proved to be the most powerful product tested thanks to both its large drum diameter and smooth bearing system.

Bottom Line: A rugged, attractive, and efficient unit. Its large top swivel and minor details hold it out of the top spot.

Cruising Design Inc.

Cruising Designs Inc.s Spinnaker Furler will work with loose-luff nylon sails as well as lightweight Dacron reachers. The drum is rotated at the base, but the tack of the sail actually spins on a Delrin bushing, allowing the torque to be transferred to the head of the sail, via the stiff rope. This winds the sail in a top-down context. A nylon sail, with little or no extra leading-edge reinforcement, to be effectively furled. The downside: Its a little trickier to keep the nylon from puckering and pinching itself, causing overrides. CDIs new spinnaker furler ($850) replaces the aluminum spool with a larger-diameter plastic spool that better prevents the line from slipping off.

Bottom Line: If you go this route with a nylon, loose-luff sail, work closely with your sailmaker to get the right shape.

One of the early leaders in free-flying furlers, Facnor makes the FX 2500 is an elegantly engineered system. It is small in size but proved that it really has what it takes to handle a code sail, drifter, or gennaker. The 750-square-foot radial clew drifter that we used fit right into the jaws of the drum and swivel, and the units simple but functional capture ring kept the endless loop from jumping out of the groove. Facnor uses uniquely engineered spring tensioners to hold clevis pins in place. Testers found that these are easy to use and make the unit easy to handle. The stainless-steel cage surrounding the furling sheave allows easy installation of a furling line.

Facnor also offers the Asym-FX, a torsion-rope version designed for asymmetric spinnaker furling.

Bottom Line: Rated our Best Choice, this well-executed piece of gear nosed slightly ahead of the other high-quality units in this test.

Harkens Code Zero MKII furler system has a proven track record aboard modern race boats and is more than up to the task on a cruising boat. In addition to our test boat and bench testing, we checked out the Harkens functional applicability aboard a new Alan Andrews-designed custom 39-footer that sports the modern small-jib, big-main sail plan, and a built-in carbon bowsprit. The code zero furler was used to tame a massive, lightweight No. 1 genoa that nearly doubled the headsail area.

The Harken Code Zero furler incorporates easy-to-use tack and head pins that are held captive by an innovative piston-locking function. It offers an easy-loading feature to engage the endless furling line.

Bottom Line: The user-friendly Harken is pricey, but it also has the highest safe working load of the group. Harkens smaller 3101 (5000- pound SWL) is about $900 less.

Even smaller than the Facnor, the Karver Kf2 packs big sail-handling ability into a very compact package. Like the Facnor, it uses clevis-pin tethers, but its retaining clips are a little harder to use, in our opinion. The quick line-feeding system is even quicker in the newer version released after our test.

Its bearing setup was not quite as friction-free as others tested, but it proved to work efficiently on both the larger and smaller test platforms. In fact, it made gennaker handling on our Cape Dory 19 a snap. And by furling the sail before dousing it during a deep reach, it made single-handing in 20 knots of wind a smooth sailing experience.

Bottom Line: A good small-boat furler that is priced right.

This unit has a “Back to the Future” flair. Its a new, lightweight rendition of the Schaefer technology used to pioneer the companys early roller furling. The unit is not an endless loop, but instead is a miniaturized alloy drum and spool, set up for a fairly small-diameter furling line. The light, free-spinning top swivel is made of aluminum hardware and multiple races of high-molecular-weight Torlon plastic bearings. Its only downside is that when it comes to furling a large headsail, lots of line is needed on the relatively small drum, mandating a fairly thin line thats a little less friendly to handle.

Bottom Line: Not the most elegant or compact, but it worked well in testing, and the price is very attractive. A no brainer for our Budget Buy.

Sailing in 5- to 10-knot conditions with a 135-percent heavy genoa can prove to be anything but an exhilarating experience. More often than not, it results in a premature desire to turn the ignition key.

Not only are too many sailors missing the pure fun of light-air sailing, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the sport, but with fuel prices skyrocketing, enhancing your boats light-air ability under sail makes more sense than ever before.

There were no lemons among the furlers we tested. However, the Facnor Fx 2500 did stand out enough to get our cream-of-the-crop nod for PS Best Choice. For loose luff asymmetric spinnaker users, Bamars Roll-Gen nudged out the CDI unit. At about half the price of some other furlers in our test, the Schaefer furler is the choice for PS Budget Buy.

When it comes to using a sock or a furler for asymmetric control, the furler has a slight edge over the sock, provided the sail is a good match, in our opinion.

Testers also found that proper halyard tension was important, and the polyester-covered, Spectra-cored spinnaker halyard we used limited stretch and proved to be very easy to handle. Finding a happy balance in halyard tension made furling easier-too little, and the luff bowed to leeward, making furling difficult; too much tension put excess load on the bearings and also decreased the ease of furling. Light sheets were also a big plus. Ring-type pin fasteners can snag sheet covers causing damage to lines and even the unintentional removal of a keeper pin.

When all is said and done, adding light-air sailing ability to a daysailer or cruising boat is well worth the extra effort and expense.

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Yachting Monthly

Digital edition

Mainsail furling systems: an expert guide

Graham Snook
December 21, 2020

Some sailors swear by mainsail furling systems, others swear at them. Graham Snook looks at way to keep your furling mainsail in check

A yacht with a furling mainsail system and in-boom furling

In-mast furling mainsails (left) have evolved significantly, and vertical battens allow more roach and better sail shape. Credit: Graham Snook

Mainsail furling systems have come on a long way.

Sails no longer need to be wrapped around a boom, nor does an in-mast mainsail need to be the hollow-leached, baggy triangle we first saw decades ago.

Furling mainsail systems can now offer more sail area than a traditional slab-reefed mainsail.

Be that as it may, every slab-reefed sailor knows a horror story about in-mast or in-boom furling that is enough to make them steer well clear, while those that have furling mains wouldn’t put to sea without one.

There is little doubt that furling mainsails are gaining in popularity, even for serious offshore cruising boats.

Get mainsail furling wrong and it can lead to costly and potentially dangerous problems. Credit: Graham Snook

In 2018, 38% of boats sailing round the world in the World ARC had furling mainsail.

Hallberg Rassy reports that almost all new owners buying boats over 40ft opt for furling mainsail systems, with Discovery reporting a similar trend.

So has the reputation of furling mainsails been unfairly tainted, and are they more prone to user error, or have the systems ironed out the glitches?

Whether you’ve got a furling main on your own boat, or if you’ll be using one when you charter, it’s worth knowing how to avoid the pitfalls of furling mainsails.

How do furling mainsail systems work?

In an age where we expect everything just to be simple and to work, letting off one line, and pulling another to make the mainsail appear or disappear sounds appealing, but what is the best way to furl the mainsail?

Is there a correct way to do it?

‘Carefully,’ replies Jeremy White,of Elvstrøm Sails UK. ‘They’re mechanical systems and they need to be operated correctly.’

Whether you have in-boom or in-mast, they both work on a similar principle which anyone with a furling genoa will be familiar with.

Inside the mast is an aluminium foil that takes the luff of the mainsail, and in a boom a mandrel takes the foot of the mainsail; both the foil and the mandrel revolve to roll up the sail.

A lot of issues with in-mast furling are caused by the sail not furling properly inside the mast and the furl being too bulky or the sail rubbing on the inside of the mast.

Many in-boom problems are caused by an uneven furl with the sail bunching at one end or the other.

There are a number of issues to look out for with each system to ensure stress-free furling.

Different options

If you’ve bought a new boat that was ‘good value’ and it came with sails, question how good those sails really are.

Many original Dacron sails are built to a price that will get you on the water and get you sailing, but they may not be built for longevity or performance unless you’ve specified them and know what you’re getting.

There has been much advancement in furling mainsail design, improved materials, vertical battens, and increased sail area.

Many new furling mainsail systems present a larger sail area than that of a conventional slab reefing sail.

But what should you be looking for when buying a new sail?

‘Whichever sailmaker you choose, get the highest quality material you can afford,’ advises Jeremy.

It’s a false economy to buy cheaper sailcloth as it will stretch and you’ll be left with a baggy sail after a few seasons.

For example, the luff of laminate sail (on a 45ft yacht) might only stretch 15mm over its lifetime, but on a polyester sail that might be as much as 15 cm.

That excess sail has to roll up in the same space as did when it was new.

For those wanting maximum sail area, and sail support, full-length vertical battens are the way forward.

These support the leech giving a good full roach, and importantly, they support the sail over its full height which gives it rigidity while it’s being furled, whereas shorter, vertical roach battens can leave the sail unsupported at their base causing furling problems.

For those without the budget or desire for a battened sail using modern materials, a sail with a hollow leech still offers many advantages over a slab reefing system, namely ease of reefing, the ability to set exactly the right amount of sail, and the simplicity of stowing, even if you do lose some power from a smaller sail area and a less perfect aerofoil sail shape.

If you’re having new sails made consider getting them silicone-coated.

This helps the sail slide over itself making the furl inside the mast tighter.

In-mast furling

It may be a simple system, but how you unfurl and furl the main will help avoid problems.

If you were to look down from the top of the mast, the foil usually rolls onto the foil in anti-clockwise direction, that is, the unfurled sail comes off the starboard side of the foil, though it’s worth checking on yours.

This is the key to getting in-mast furling to work correctly; trying to furl on a port tack drags the full height of the sail over the side of the mast slot, adding friction where there shouldn’t be any.

Furling on starboard tack obviates most of this friction while you furl.

Full-height battens support a larger roach, but make the furled sail more bulky. Credit: Graham Snook

Whether letting the sail in or out, the first thing is to release the backstay (to straighten the mast so the foil doesn’t rub) and put the boat on a starboard tack – with the wind slightly forward of the beam – this is so the sail feeds cleanly into the mast and around the furler inside.

Unfurling the sail is usually pain-free if the sail was furled correctly.

A diagram showing an in-mast furling system

With the yacht on a starboard tack and the wind forward of the beam, release the mainsheet and vang.

Ensure the furling line is released then pull out the sail using the outhaul.

A man easing a main sail via winches on a yacht

Ease the outhaul as your furl so the sail doesn’t flog but isn’t loaded up either. Credit: Theo Stocker

You shouldn’t need to control the furling line as there should be no pressure on the sail, even on a windy day.

If you intend to be reefed, however, don’t let it run unchecked. When the right amount of sail is out, make off the furling line. If you’re reefed, tension the outhaul to give the sail the correct shape (flatter in stronger winds and when close-hauled) then set the mainsheet and vang and away you sail.

Release the backstay (if you have one)
Put the boat on a starboard tack – with the wind slightly forward of the beam
Release the mainsheet and vang
When the right amount of sail is out, make off the furling line
Tension the outhaul to give the sail a correct shape, then sheet in

To furl the sail, after letting off the backstay and putting her on a starboard tack with the wind slightly forward of the beam, let off the mainsheet and then ease the outhaul a little and start to furl.

Always look at the sail as you’re furling – you’ll be able to notice issues as they happen and not after you’ve wound an inch-thick clump of sail through a half-inch gap.

A man sorting out reefing lines on a yacht

Having different coloured lines can make things simpler for your crew. Credit: Theo Stocker

If your sail has full-length vertical battens ensure the first batten is parallel with the mast when it enters, and if reefing, leave a batten just outside the mast groove.

Keeping too much tension on the outhaul will drag the foil aft in the mast, bending it and causing the sail to rub against the inside of the mast, creating friction.

Once you’ve taken the slack out of the sail, ease the outhaul and take in on the furling line again.

Try not to let the sail flog as this also bends the foil and causes more friction.

Repeat the ease-furl process until only the UV protection strip is showing.

Sail on starboard with wind forward of the beam for easy furling. Credit: Theo Stocker

If you have laminate sails, and they have been furled away wet, try to dry them at the first opportunity.

If you’re having problems furling using the lines, don’t be afraid to go to the mast with a winch handle and furl the sail at the mast.

Try it one day, it is remarkably easy.

If you’re having to do anything different, such as raising the boom or chanting a prayer to the god of furling fails, it’s worth looking at your system in detail for problems.

Release the backstay
Ease the outhaul a little
Take in on the furling line
Keep easing the outhaul and taking in on the furling line
Furl the sail until the UV strip is showing at the mast

Problem solving

If furling the right way still isn’t working for you, there are a number of things to consider…, 1. understand your system.

First to check is to have a look inside your mast at which way your system should furl.

If your furling system has the option, put a winch handle in the furling mechanism at the mast and turn it the direction indicated to make sure the sail is going into the mast in the correct direction.

Clicking over the ratchet at the mast before it’s time to furl will ensure it always rolls in the right direction.

2. Assess your sails

The biggest cause of problems is the sail itself – how old it is and the material it is made from.

Stretch in the cloth makes baggy sails, which furling systems will happily munch on.

Furling mainsails are cut flatter than conventional slab-reefing sails as accommodating the belly of the sail is problematic.

An old or baggy sail may cause jams, as will creases from not enough halyard tension. Credit: Theo Stocker

Some older furling mains may have be made with an inappropriate, fully-bellied shape.

If your polyester sails have a deep belly, think about getting new ones as you’ll be fighting a losing battle.

As the belly folds, it doubles the thickness of the furl, causing unsightly and inefficient creases at best, and hideous sail jams or rips at worst.

3. Adjust halyard tension

Excess halyard tension can also cause the fabric to bunch up; vertical creases at the luff cause the sail to fold over itself.

Vertical creases at the luff reveal too much halyard tension, and potential for more snags. Credit: Theo Stocker

To resolve this, release the halyard until you have horizontal creases at the luff, then add just enough tension to remove them, though you may need to adjust this when underway.

4. Check the backstay

While the mast is bending, the foil inside it remains straight; the furled sail will bind at the apex of the mast’s bend.

If all of this fails, it’s worth calling a rigger to check the foil tension.

If this has gone slack, as you furl the foil will bend and rub against the mast.

5. Smooth it out

The next thing to look at is reducing friction.

As is often the case, the lines to your furling gear and outhaul are led through various fairleads and blocks across the deck and up the mast.

Move deck organisers to give slacker turning angles. Credit: Theo Stocker

Make sure all the angles they have to go through are a wide as possible – consider moving them if not – and all blocks and sheaves are running smoothly.

A good wash with fresh water and a squirt of dry lubricant can work wonders.

In-boom furling

Not a new concept, in-boom furling is an elegant solution, but brings its own challenges.

Unlike in-mast furling, in-boom systems can be retrofitted in place of conventional slab reefing.

For an in-boom furling system to work efficiently, however, it has to overcome a number of problems.

To start with, have a crew on deck to watch the sail as it furls to spot any issues. Credit: Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics

First of all, the sail has to be led from the boom to the mast, but there needs to be space for the bearings for the central mandrel and the boom’s gooseneck fitting, so the whole sail has to move aft along the boom.

To combat this, many in-boom systems have a protruding track on the trailing edge of the mast, while other units have the reefing mechanism at the aft end of the boom, or sometimes you’ll find a combination of both.

Whatever the system, there is usually a flexible feeder to guide the sail from the boom and feed it into the mast track.

The furling drum at the outboard end of the boom brings the main closer to the mast. Credit: Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics

Another issue with in-boom furling is the bolt rope, as Andy Cross from Crusader sails explains.

‘The sail has to use a bolt rope, and with it comes friction. Unlike a furling genoa that may only be raised and lowered once a season, the mainsail is nearly always used so the luff tape has to be reinforced.’

Any wear or damage to the bolt rope also requires a new bolt rope along the full luff of the sail, as any repairs would soon wear through and increase the friction.

The necessary extra reinforcement at the luff brings with it another problem: extra cloth thickness at the front end of the sail.

When reefing, stop when a batten is just above the mandrel, then take in on the furling line. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

As the sail rolls around the mandrel there is more sail material at the luff than across the rest of the sail.

The solution?

To slightly raise the aft end of the boom, allowing the extra sailcloth at the luff to roll at a rate that matches the leech.

The angle from the mast to the top of the boom has to be 87° to the mast, 3° above perpendicular.

The full-length battens in the mainsail help stabilise the sail as it furls and the batten pockets have been attached to the sail to match the mandrel angle.

It’s the thickness of cloth at the luff and the battens that make the correct boom angle the most important part of the system.

The necessary bulk of the boltrope makes the boom angle critical.

Get that right and your life suddenly becomes a whole lot easier.

It’s essential to mark the vang when the boom angle is correct.

Some owners choose to make a strop, running next to the vang, out of a low-stretch material like Dyneema, so the topping lift can be pulled taught and the strop prevents the boom raising higher than it should.

When marking or limiting the boom angle, it must be easy for any crew to see, by day or night.

How to get it right

1. prepare to set sail.

‘Before raising, lowering, or reefing the mainsail,’ explains Kim Petersen, Elvstrøm Denmark’s in-boom sail specialist, ‘get into the habit of always releasing the backstay tension – this will successfully straighten the mast and takes any flattening tension out of the sail – and then making sure the boom is at the correct angle – this is extremely important.’

Electric winch control systems at the helm

Be careful with electric winches not to over-tighten halyards. Credit: Graham Snook

To raise the sail, after slackening the back stay and adjusting the boom level, point the boat into the wind, release the mainsheet and take up on the mainsail halyard, making sure that the furling line can run free as you hoist the mainsail.

Once set, increase the halyard tension until the horizontal creases at the luff have just gone.

2. Reducing sail power

If you don’t need full sail, only raise the sail until the nearest batten is at the mandrel.

Rather than being able to reef at any point, where the lower battens are fitted, the sailmaker will have reinforced the sail to take the clew loads.

Not reefing at these points means an area of unreinforced leech could be required to take a load it was not designed for.

Each batten represents a reefing point. Credit: Graham Snook

You’ll end up with fullness at the foot of the sail and a stretched leech, or a damaged sail.

If you need to flatten the sail, for better pointing or in stronger winds, take in on the furling line without adjusting the halyard tension.

This will give the same result as using a cunningham to tighten the luff.

Furling the main

When lowering the sail, release the backstay and set the boom at the correct angle.

It’s then best to take all the pressure off the sail by heading into the wind.

It doesn’t matter if the sail is flogging; the battens keep the sail rigid and support it as it furls.

If there is any pressure on the sail, this will cause it to furl unevenly.

With in-boom reefing you should still have a good sail shape even when deeply reefed. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Unlike an in-mast furling system, where the sail is visible, on an in-boom system everything is happening on top of the boom, overhead and out of sight.

If you have a crew member spare and it’s safe, sending them to the mast to keep an eye on the sail as it furls can prevent damage, at least for the first few times using the system.

Pull in on the furling line, slowly and smoothly releasing the mainsail halyard, but keep a bit of tension on it.

Continues below…

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Why you should regularly check your deck fittings

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Reefing: how, when and why do we do it? The answers may not be as straightforward as you think, says…

How to: replace a halyard

Whether you’re replacing an old halyard for new, or mousing the mast over winter, Rubicon 3’s Rachael Sprot explains how…

If you have too much tension the sail will want to roll away from the mast; if you’re seeing creases running from the bottom of the track to the boom at 45°, release the halyard a little more.

If the sail is rolling up toward the mast, you’ll need to increase the tension a little.

As the sail furls, the luff tape will naturally first roll aft, then move forward and repeat this – it’s all perfectly normal.

Once the sail is fully down, tuck the head into the boom if your system allows it, and add the sail cover.

Reefing underway

To reef when sailing, release the backstay and set the boom angle.

In rough weather, or when there are big seas, it’s best to take up on the boom’s topping lift to secure the boom and stop it rising and falling as the yacht goes over the wave crest.

A sail being protected from the sun with a metal cover

Cover the sail once stowed to protect from UV. Credit: Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics

You’ll find it easier if you can bring the boat onto the wind and release the mainsheet to remove all drive from the mainsail; if the sail is flogging it’s depowered and can still be furled.

Next, take in on the furling line while slowly and smoothly easing the halyard as the sail furls.

Graham Snook is a marine photographer and journalist who has been involved in testing yachts and equipment for over 20 years. Credit: Graham Snook

Once you’ve reached a point where the batten is at the mandrel on top of the boom, make off the halyard and then furl the sail until the batten is under the mandrel.

Without reefing pennants to hold and support the clew of the sail, the loads are transferred to the batten and the cloth around it.

Because of this, it’s recommended that for in-boom reefing mainsails, a stronger stretch-resistant cloth like Dacron reinforced with Vectran or Dyneema or a tough cruising laminate cloth be used.

Whichever mainsail furling system you have or choose, spending a bit of time practising what works and what doesn’t on your system, at a time when it’s convenient to you, will pay dividends when you find you do need to reef.

Mainsail furling has had a bad reputation in the past, but used properly and with a little care, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t give you trouble-free sailing for years to come.

To raise the sail

Release the backstay tension
Make sure the boom is at the correct angle – use a strop or mark the vang if necessary
Head up into the wind – it doesn’t matter if the main flogs as it goes up
Release the mainsheet
Take up on the mainsail halyard, but do not overtighten

To lower the sail

Make sure the boom is at the correct angle
Point the yacht into the wind
Take in on the furling line as you ease the halyard at a steady rate

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New all-electric hydrofoiling boat boasts impressive range with revolutionary features: 'A truly unique on-water experience'

"A sustainable option without sacrificing exceptional performance."

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Photo Credit: ENVGO

ENVGO is offering luxury boating enthusiasts a greener option for cruising on open waters with its all-electric NV1 hydrofoil craft.

As Electrek reported , the new venture secured funding from investors keen on reducing the environmental impact of the maritime industry through electrification. In addition, it will be able to address issues commonly associated with boating, including pollution, maintenance, and noise.

The NV1 is a sleek, carbon fiber machine with hydrofoil fins on the underside that allow the craft to virtually "fly" above the water, which reduces drag and increases efficiency. The reduction in surface contact with the water gives it a top speed of 50 miles per hour, and an average cruising speed of 25.

The company claims that it's "on a mission to empower boating enthusiasts and the watersports industry with high-performance, zero-emissions boats, offering an effortless, exhilarating, and sustainable experience on the water," as the report noted.

The 80 kilowatt-hour battery gives the boat a range of approximately 80 miles, which is plenty of time for you and five friends to enjoy the open water. When it's time to top it up, you won't have to wait too long, as it's compatible with up to level 3 rapid chargers.

If the local grid is supplied by clean solar and wind power, you can rest easy knowing that you're doing your part to reduce reliance on dirty fuels and support a more sustainable energy infrastructure.

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As it stands now, international maritime transport accounts for around 3% of all planet-warming pollution, which includes recreational vessels, ocean-going container ships , and everything in between.

Increasingly, smaller boats are being fitted with more environmentally friendly power sources, including batteries and hydrogen fuel cells , but the larger ships are still primarily reliant on petroleum-based heavy fuel oil.

Luckily, more sustainable marine fuels are slowly getting a foothold in the industry. They offer a reduced carbon output and are made from feedstocks like waste oils, non-food energy crops, agricultural waste, and more.

This would help make an eco-friendly dent in the estimated 105 billion gallons of fuel used annually across the global maritime industry. Plus, that number is expected to double by 2030 as global trade increases.

The NV1 is slated to begin production in 2025, but people can reserve one of the $400,000 crafts now with a deposit. That's no small chunk of change, but if we want to get the world on a more sustainable path, it helps to start at the top of the financial food chain.

ENVGO seems confident they'll be able to meet the demands of the luxury market, as Electrek shared , while providing "a sustainable option without sacrificing exceptional performance, delivering a truly unique on-water experience."

It helps that the company is staffed with "seasoned professionals with extensive expertise in propulsion systems, hydrodynamics, flight control, and autonomy systems," who also believe in delivering innovative clean- tech solutions.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future , and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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Ukrainian Strikes Have Changed Russian Naval Operations in the Black Sea

Nicole Wolkov, Daniel Mealie, and Kateryna Stepanenko

December 16, 2023

Key takeaway: Ukrainian strikes against Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) assets have changed Russian naval operating patterns, causing the BSF to move some ships away from its main base in occupied Sevastopol, Crimea and hampering the BSF’s ability to interfere with maritime trade in the western part of the Black Sea. Ukrainian strikes have likely caused the BSF to set conditions for a more permanent basing pattern along the eastern Black Sea coast as it transfers naval assets away from Crimea and expands a small port in de facto Russian-controlled Ochamchire, Abkhazia. Ukrainian strikes against BSF assets have successfully facilitated the use of Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor as international support for the corridor continues to increase despite Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and military threats against it.

Ukrainian forces launched a successful preemptive strike campaign against the Russian BSF in the summer and fall of 2023, which aimed to disrupt Russia’s efforts to impose a de facto blockade on Ukrainian ports and to undermine the BSF’s ability to conduct naval operations in the Black Sea. In summer 2023, Russia sought to use its withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative to posture the BSF in a way that would deter Ukraine and international community from maritime activity in the Black Sea – effectively establishing a de facto blockade on Ukrainian ports without having to enforce an actual blockade. The United Nations (UN) and Turkey had originally brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Russia in July 2022 that allowed cargo ships to sail between ports in Odesa Oblast and the Bosphorus Strait without fear of Russian attacks.[1] Russian officials began signaling their intent to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in May 2023 shortly after agreeing to extend the deal until July 18, likely in an effort to set information conditions for the de facto blockade.[2] Ukrainian forces, however, began setting military conditions to prevent Russia from establishing such a de facto blockade by launching an intricate missile and drone campaign targeting BSF assets and vessels starting in June 2023.[3] The Ukrainian strike campaign inhibited Russia’s ability to use the BSF to halt maritime activity in western Black Sea and helped Ukraine deprive Russian forces of the maritime initiative in the Black Sea.

Satellite imagery indicates that Ukrainian strikes caused Russian forces to move BSF assets away from occupied Sevastopol to ports in the eastern part of the Black Sea on an enduring basis. Satellite imagery from June to December 2023 indicates that Russian forces have moved BSF assets, both surface vessels and submarines, away from the main base in Sevastopol, Crimea to the port in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, further away from Ukrainian launch points on an enduring basis and are setting conditions for a more permanent basing pattern on the eastern Black Sea coast.[4] ISW previously assessed in early October that the Ukrainian strikes successfully degraded the BSF’s ability to operate as a combined arms headquarters and to support logistics routes in southern Ukraine, although the effects on the BSF as a naval actor at the time remained unclear.[5] Satellite imagery shows, however, that Russian forces started to move naval assets away from Sevastopol on an enduring basis following Ukrainian strikes on naval infrastructure in Crimea and the BSF Command headquarters in Sevastopol on September 22, 2023.[6] Satellite imagery suggests that, although the BSF continues to base some assets at the main port in Sevastopol, the Russian military has redeployed several vessels, including surface combatants such as Krivak-class frigates and smaller vessels such as Grisha-class and Tarantul-class corvettes from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk.[7] Satellite imagery from December shows that Russian force have redeployed most of their specialized Kalibr cruise missile carriers including Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, Buyan-M-class corvettes, and Kilo-class submarines from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk.[8] Recent satellite imagery indicates that vessels moved to Novorossiysk over the fall have not returned to Sevastopol.

ISW's estimates reflect the availability and spatial resolution of satellite imagery as well as meteorological conditions over the target areas. This table excludes auxilliary ships, amphibious ships, and most minor combatants apart from those capable of housing vertical launch systems. ISW's estimates count vessels observed in port.

Ukrainian strikes targeting BSF assets and ports have changed Russian naval operation patterns and are hindering the BSF’s ability to operate aggressively in the western part of the Black Sea. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defense (UK MoD) assessed on September 26 that Ukrainian strikes have diminished the BSF’s ability to conduct wide security patrols, carry out routine maintenance, and enforce blockades of Ukrainian ports in the western Black Sea although the BSF retained the ability to launch sea-based missile strikes.[9] The Russian military has also been unable to return two BSF vessels to the Black Sea, reportedly the Kildin Moma-class surveillance ship and the Admiral Grigorovich , lead ship of the class, because Turkey invoked the relevant provisions of the Montreux Convention blocking transit through the Turkish Straits on February 28, 2022.[10]

Imagery of the Russian naval base in occupied Sevastopol, Crimea. June 8, 2023.

Imagery of the Russian naval base in occupied Sevastopol, Crimea. December 3, 2023.

Imagery of the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. June 8, 2023.

Imagery of the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. December 5, 2023.

The BSF is permanently building a naval port near Russian-controlled Ochamchire, Abkhazia, likely signaling Russian long-term intent to move more naval assets away from Crimea. Russian-backed Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania announced on October 5 that he had signed an agreement with Russian authorities for the construction of a permanent Russian naval base near Ochamchire, Abkhazia.[11] Deputy Chief of the Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Major General Vadym Skibitskyi reported on October 23 that Russian authorities started dredging and constructing port infrastructure in Ochamchire in order to construct a base for some warships currently stationed in Crimea, which could not be redeployed to Novorossiysk.[12] Bzhania stated on November 9 that Abkhaz authorities have started work to expand the Ochamchire port so that it can accommodate large-capacity vessels with a displacement of up to 13,000 tons, a notable increase from its current capacity to handle vessels with deadweight of 3,000 tons.[13] The port’s expansion will reportedly take over 2.5 years.[14] The Russian military is likely intending to develop the existing port into a subsidiary rather than a main base since the surrounding terrain largely consists of sandy beaches unsuitable for the construction of naval infrastructure.[15]

Ukrainian strikes have severely degraded Russian military efforts to disrupt the movement of commercial vessels through the Ukraine’s grain corridor. Ukraine announced that it would continue to export grain and other goods along the western coast of the Black Sea after Russia refused to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 17, 2023.[16] Russian forces launched extensive missile and drone strikes for several consecutive days against port and grain infrastructure in southern Ukraine shortly after Russia’s withdrawal to disrupt the corridor.[17] Subsequent Ukrainian strikes on Russian BSF assets and military installations in Crimea seriously undermined Russian efforts to curtail maritime traffic, however.[18] The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) unsuccessfully attempted to discourage commercial traffic in the western Black Sea by announcing on July 19 that it would consider all ships en route to Ukrainian ports to be potential carriers of military cargo (and therefore potential military targets) and forcibly stopping and searching a commercial vessel en route to Izmail port in Odesa Oblast on August 13.[19] Persistent Ukrainian drone and missile strikes against BSF assets caused the Russians to adjust their maritime posture in a way that made these threats largely ineffective.[20]

International actors have signaled their support for the continued use of Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor, demonstrating that Ukrainian forces continue to successfully block Russian attempts to threaten commercial vessels from using the corridor. The Financial Times ( FT ) reported on November 15 that the Ukrainian government reached a deal with insurance broker giant Marsh McLennan to provide up to $50 million in hull and liability insurance from Lloyd’s of London firms for each vessel carrying agricultural goods through the grain corridor.[21] The West continues to show support for long-term Ukrainian naval operations that will likely strengthen Ukrainian forces’ ability to operate in the Black Sea, most recently with the December 11 announcement that the UK and Norway would lead the Maritime Capability Coalition to provide short-term assistance to Ukraine and help in long-term efforts aimed at making the Ukrainian navy more interoperable with NATO.[22]

Ukraine’s long-range strikes against BSF assets have facilitated humanitarian and military successes in the Black Sea and allowed Ukraine to seize the initiative in the Black Sea even without an effective navy of its own. US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink reported on November 13 that 100 vessels had successfully transited the corridor and exported 3.7 million tons of food and other goods, presumably since the first civilian vessel successfully departed from a Ukrainian port through the corridor on August 15.[23] Brink reported on December 15 that 256 ships have successfully used the Black Sea grain corridor and exported almost nine million tons of grain and other cargo from Ukrainian ports, suggesting that continued successful Ukrainian strikes coupled with increasing international support for Ukraine’s corridor has contributed to a dramatic increase in food exports.[24]

Western provision of additional long-range missiles to Ukraine would support ongoing Ukrainian efforts to keep the Black Sea open for maritime traffic and keep the BSF away from NATO coastlines in the Black Sea. No single Western-provided system will provide Ukraine with a decisive advantage or a direct path to victory. Consistent Ukrainian strikes have allowed Ukraine to seize the initiative in the Black Sea, prevent a Russian blockade, and curtail Russian expansion in the Black Sea, however. The increased Western provision long-range missiles would allow Ukraine to retain the initiative in the Black Sea, enabling continued military and humanitarian successes.

[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-61759692

[2] https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/May%2011%20Russian%20Offensive%20Campaign%20Assessment%20PDF.pdf

[3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-ukraine-tried-attack-russian-ship-near-major-gas-pipelines-black-sea-2023-06-11/ ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/special-edition-campaign-assessment-ukraine%E2%80%99s-strike-campaign-against-crimea ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-5-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/special-edition-campaign-assessment-ukraine%E2%80%99s-strike-campaign-against-crimea

[4] https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1659606858867576832?s=20 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681781784093294592?s=20 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1669454216526725121?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1670920975070920704?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1671637633976635392 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681781784093294592?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1677085779745738752 ; https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1676835158694195200 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1679267295917649920 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681127053758963712 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681774622591819776?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1683591656375713794 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1684382744917471234 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1686121465031069696 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1687467346338914304 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1689482864621211648 ; https://twitter.com/GrangerE04117/status/1690344433823481857 ; https://twitter.com/Varsevan/status/1690446074475876352 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222388392804353 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222389885923328 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222393157500928 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222396475211776 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1693760980617195590/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697345738093867020/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697007800394854534/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1699515027185906110/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1701844810347212856/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1702746570402222546/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1706413476829384908/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1707427531597787195 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1711897011560325122/photo/1 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1729618006584533423?s=20; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1729647149585932697?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/vcdgf555/status/1731473389511119047 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1666460099169210372 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1667151037642461184 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1667235356394274816 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1671637635612418048 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1673683983111159812 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1677085777115881472 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1679868790908280832 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1682231392686714880 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1682476544705585152 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1683591661580963840 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1684705525492277248 ; https://twitter.com/JosephHDempsey/status/1687450475249975296 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1687464886442635266 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688758826089283584/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688758826089283584 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688932639728918528 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1689482869213896704 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222393157500928 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1693695443312812206/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1694850970851610754/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697007800394854534/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1701784515063234703/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1702746570402222546/photo/3 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1706413475034177825 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1711897013963657476/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1712899999451988426 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1715059375713235363 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1731478576581505039 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1732410579892253094

[5] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/special-edition-campaign-assessment-ukraine%E2%80%99s-strike-campaign-against-crimea

[6] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-13-2023 ; https://x.com/bradyafr/status/1705324205170971010?s=20 ; https://t.me/Crimeanwind/43142 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/26042 ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrhmqwHpxBU ; https://t.me/grey_zone/20690 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-23-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/special-edition-campaign-assessment-ukraine%E2%80%99s-strike-campaign-against-crimea ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-22-2023

[7] https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1659606858867576832?s=20 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681781784093294592?s=20 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1669454216526725121?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1670920975070920704?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1671637633976635392 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681781784093294592?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1677085779745738752 ; https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1676835158694195200 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1679267295917649920 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681127053758963712 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681774622591819776?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1683591656375713794 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1684382744917471234 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1686121465031069696 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1687467346338914304 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1689482864621211648 ; https://twitter.com/GrangerE04117/status/1690344433823481857 ; https://twitter.com/Varsevan/status/1690446074475876352 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222388392804353 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222389885923328 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222393157500928 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222396475211776 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1693760980617195590/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697345738093867020/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697007800394854534/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1699515027185906110/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1701844810347212856/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1702746570402222546/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1706413476829384908/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1707427531597787195 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1711897011560325122/photo/1 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1729618006584533423?s=20; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1729647149585932697?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/vcdgf555/status/1731473389511119047 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1666460099169210372 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1667151037642461184 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1667235356394274816 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1671637635612418048 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1673683983111159812 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1677085777115881472 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1679868790908280832 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1682231392686714880 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1682476544705585152 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1683591661580963840 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1684705525492277248 ; https://twitter.com/JosephHDempsey/status/1687450475249975296 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1687464886442635266 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688758826089283584/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688758826089283584 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688932639728918528 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1689482869213896704 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222393157500928 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1693695443312812206/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1694850970851610754/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697007800394854534/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1701784515063234703/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1702746570402222546/photo/3 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1706413475034177825 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1711897013963657476/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1712899999451988426 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1715059375713235363 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1731478576581505039 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1732410579892253094

[8] https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1659606858867576832?s=20 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681781784093294592?s=20 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1669454216526725121?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1670920975070920704?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1671637633976635392 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681781784093294592?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1677085779745738752 ; https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1676835158694195200 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1679267295917649920 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681127053758963712 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1681774622591819776?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1683591656375713794 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1684382744917471234 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1686121465031069696 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1687467346338914304 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1689482864621211648 ; https://twitter.com/GrangerE04117/status/1690344433823481857 ; https://twitter.com/Varsevan/status/1690446074475876352 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222388392804353 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222389885923328 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222393157500928 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222396475211776 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1693760980617195590/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697345738093867020/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697007800394854534/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1699515027185906110/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/CovertShores/status/1701844810347212856/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1702746570402222546/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1706413476829384908/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1707427531597787195 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1711897011560325122/photo/1 ; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1729618006584533423?s=20; https://x.com/MT_Anderson/status/1729647149585932697?s=20 ; https://twitter.com/vcdgf555/status/1731473389511119047 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1666460099169210372 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1667151037642461184 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1667235356394274816 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1671637635612418048 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1673683983111159812 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1677085777115881472 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1679868790908280832 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1682231392686714880 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1682476544705585152 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1683591661580963840 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1684705525492277248 ; https://twitter.com/JosephHDempsey/status/1687450475249975296 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1687464886442635266 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688758826089283584/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688758826089283584 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1688932639728918528 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1689482869213896704 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1691222393157500928 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1693695443312812206/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1694850970851610754/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1697007800394854534/photo/2 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1701784515063234703/photo/1 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1702746570402222546/photo/3 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1706413475034177825 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1711897013963657476/photo/4 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1712899999451988426 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1715059375713235363 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1731478576581505039 ; https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1732410579892253094

[9] https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1706545023913701480?s=20

[10] https://www.blackseanews dot net/en/read/210586 ; https://en.vijesti dot me/news/society/676349/Russian-spy-ship-Kildin-followed-the-American-aircraft-carrier-battle-group-in-the-Adriatic-Sea ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-11-2023 ; https://topwar dot ru/230405-rossijskij-fregat-admiral-grigorovich-vernulsja-v-sredizemnoe-more-posle-planovogo-remonta.html ; https://klops dot ru/kaliningrad/2023-10-31/282452-vertolyotchiki-baltflota-otrabotali-odin-iz-samyh-slozhnyh-elementov-dlya-morskoy-aviatsii

[11] https://iz dot ru/1583490/valentin-loginov/uchastie-v-soiuznom-gosudarstve-otvechaet-interesam-abkhazii ; https://ria dot ru/20231005/abkhaziya-1900600812.html; https://tass dot ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/18916579 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-5-2023

[12] https://www.svoboda.org/a/v-obse-osudili-sozdanie-rossiyskoy-voenno-morskoy-bazy-v-abhazii/32714549.html ; https://www.golosameriki.com/a/georgia-russia-abkhazia/7324226.html

[13] https://tass dot ru/ekonomika/16292393 ; https://portnews dot ru/news/338425/

[14] https://tass dot ru/ekonomika/16292393 ; https://portnews dot ru/news/338425/

[15] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-5-2023

[16] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-20-2023

[17] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-18-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-19-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-20-2023

[18] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-23-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/special-edition-campaign-assessment-ukraine%E2%80%99s-strike-campaign-against-crimea ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar111023 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar110723 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar110523 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar102423

[19] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-20-2023 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-13-2023

[20] https://isw.pub/UkrWar111023 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar110923 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar110523 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar102423 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar100523 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar092523 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar092223

[21] https://www.ft.com/content/1b29860d-763d-4157-a816-4eacb868ef23

[22] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-minehunting-ships-to-bolster-ukrainian-navy-as-uk-and-norway-launch-maritime-support-initiative ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-11-2023

[23] https://twitter.com/USAmbKyiv/status/1723996971050926405 ; https://isw.pub/UkrWar111323

[24] https://twitter.com/USAmbKyiv/status/1735728540744556792 ; https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-16-2023

IMAGES

Know-how: Installing an Electric Furler
Know-how: Installing an Electric Furler
NEX E AN ELECTRIC FLYING SAIL FURLER
Sailboat furler
Sailboat furler
Know-how: Installing an Electric Furler

VIDEO

WaveFlyer the World's First Hydrofoil electric boat to Surf Waves!
DIY Electric Sailboat Speed Test
Electric Sailboat Motor for Adams 31 B15
48V Electric Sailboat Motor for Catamaran
Motor sailing electric sailboat to Tribune Bay at Hornby Island #vancouverisland #hybridsailboat
Ronstan Sailboat Hardware

COMMENTS

Furlex systems
ON THE TECHNICAL SIDE. Furlex Electric is designed around a highly efficient 42V electric motor. A DC/DC converter (PSU, Power Supply Unit) converts the boat's 12V or 24V to 42V which allows for thin cables to the motor unit, easy installation and a compact unit design. Power is transmitted to a self-locking worm gear to rotate the luff ...
Know-how: Installing an Electric Furler
Should power fail, the sail can be furled with a winch handle or an endless line furler (available separately) that clips into the drive unit. Facnor also offers two complete electric furling systems, the EF+550 and EF+600, for boats up to 60-plus feet. Pricing starts at $5,799 (full retail) for the EC39 system.
Downwind furling systems
Electric furling systems. Manual furling systems. CXe is a 2-speed electric-powered Code 0 furler that will furl your sail in 10 seconds at the push of a button. Handling a Code sail has never been easier. ... Having a furling Code 0 sail set on the bowsprit will deliver the joy that powerful and efficient sailing provides. Combined with a ...
Electric Furling Q&A
Electric Furling Units 2 & 3 feature an independent tack swivel that helps furl the center of the sail before the tack for improved sail shape and upwind pointing. Unit 3 has an additional independent swivel at the head for further shaping. For best results, use a sail designed specifically for reefing with your furler.
Gear: Seldén's Furlex Electric
Seldén's Furlex Electric offers an easy path into the world of sweat-free headsail furling. The compact unit can be retrofitted to an existing manual Furlex unit or installed as a replacement for whatever you've got now. Its DC-DC converter accepts your boat's 12V or 24V input and converts it to 48V. A powerful motor that draws between ...
Electric Furler from Facnor
Electric and hydraulic motorized furlers have been a staple for larger boats for decades, offering a reliable solution when dealing with oversized sails in challenging conditions. These innovations are essential to maintaining sail integrity in high winds. Facnor FXE Electric Furler: Setting Sail into the Future . In 2022, Facnor made waves at ...
How to: Choosing a Furling System
A boat's headstay diameter and clevis pin size also offer some insight into a particular boat's furler and rig load requirements. When in doubt, check with the furler's manufacturer. ... All electric furlers also have a manual backup in case of power failure. The Harken system, for instance, has a manual drive slot that will accept a ...
EJF
The reversible furling is based on a epicyclical mechanism to obtain high performance efficiency, whereas a magnetic brake (E/M) guarantees the mechanical lock both after complete furling in, and in any reefed sail position. Standard bodies of the EJF series are made from black hardcote anodized aluminium alloy. Polished s.s. available upon demand.
EC/EF+ ranges
EF+ ELECTRIC HEADSAIL FURLER, from 45'. The EF+ range is designed for units from 15 up to 21 meters. > Same characteristics as for the EC range except for a single-engine motorization. > This silent and robust motorization will bring you great navigation comfort and a low consumption. > See below for assembly (toggle& stainless steel link plates)
Electric Furler from Facnor
Facnor FXE Electric Furler: Setting Sail into the Future In 2022, Facnor made waves at the METS Boatshow in Amsterdam with the introduction of the Facnor FXE 4500 electric furler. Although they joined the electric furler revolution later than some competitors, they've made a significant impact with their innovative approach. Facnor now offers ...
Reflex Furling
The Harken Reflex furling system is a game changer! The previous generation of free-flying sail furlers often resulted in partial or uneven furling. Patented Harken Reflex furlers provide sailors confidence that their free-flying spinnakers, gennakers, and code sails will furl with speed and control. The result? Sailors use downwind sails more often—even when sailing shorthanded. The compact ...
Seldén launches next generation of Furlex Electric
The DC/DC control box converts the boat's 12V or 24V to 48V which allows for streamlined cables to the motor unit, easy installation and a compact design. The push-button function of the Furlex Electric makes pulling on a furling line a thing of the past. You can now also adjust the speed at which the sail is furled with the new two speed function.
Selden Furlex 304E Headsail Electric Furler System
Furlex electric is intended only for sail furling purposes together with Seldén furling profiles, controlled by Seldén's 42V motor drive system. The installation should be done by a person with marine installations skills. Furlex Electric is available as a complete kit for both on-deck and through-deck installation.
New Twist on Furlers: New Generation of Roller-Furling Systems For
And by furling the sail before dousing it during a deep reach, it made single-handing in 20 knots of wind a smooth sailing experience. Bottom Line: A good small-boat furler that is priced right. Schaefer. This unit has a "Back to the Future" flair. Its a new, lightweight rendition of the Schaefer technology used to pioneer the companys ...
204E
The push-button function of a Furlex Electric makes pulling on the furling line a thing of the past. Furlex Electric is designed around a highly efficient 42V electric motor. A DC/DC converter is included and converts the boat's 12V or 24V to 42V which allows for thin cables to the motor unit, easy installation and a compact unit design.
Home
The CDI Flexible Furler is suitable for use on daysailers, offshore passage makers, monohulls, and multihulls. It is used by production boat builders and is great as a retrofit. The flexible luff extrusion makes it the best choice for trailerables. This makes it a versatile furling system that can be used on different types of boats.
Upgrade your Sailboat to Roller Furling
Dinghy, beach cat or small sportboat: Small Boat Furlers mount on the headstay on a sportboat or the jib's luff wire on a dinghy or beach catamaran. Most sportboats, such as my Ultimate 20, use a separate halyard and a jib that zips over the headstay. Trailer sailer: In general, we recommend furlers with a flexible extrusion, like Schaefer's SnapFurl 500 or SnapFurl 700 system, for a ...
Mainsail furling systems: an expert guide
To lower the sail. Release the backstay tension. Make sure the boom is at the correct angle. Point the yacht into the wind. Take in on the furling line as you ease the halyard at a steady rate. Some sailors swear by mainsail furling systems, others swear at them.
Sailboat Furling Systems & Hardware
Fisheries Supply is your top supplier of sailboat roller furling kits and hardware from top brands. We have all the parts you need for your jib furler. This includes foil connectors, roller furler extrusions, blocks, and toggles. These parts will make it easier for you to set up your headsail. We also offer flying sail/continuous furlers for ...
New all-electric hydrofoiling boat boasts impressive range with
ENVGO is offering luxury boating enthusiasts a greener option for cruising on open waters with its all-electric NV1 hydrofoil craft. As Electrek reported, the new venture secured funding from investors keen on reducing the environmental impact of the maritime industry through electrification.In addition, it will be able to address issues commonly associated with boating, including pollution ...
Russian Navy Moving Kilo Attack Boats to Safety from Ukraine Strike
Russia could have up to four of the diesel-electric attack boats in the Black Sea. All of the Kilo-class are capable of launching Kalibr NK cruise missiles. Sea-launched Kalibirs have been used in ...
Ukrainian Strikes Have Changed Russian Naval Operations in the Black
Key takeaway: Ukrainian strikes against Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) assets have changed Russian naval operating patterns, causing the BSF to move some ships away from its main base in occupied Sevastopol, Crimea and hampering the BSF's ability to i
Russian ship hit in Novorossiysk, Black Sea drone attack, Ukraine ...
A Russian naval ship has been damaged in a Ukrainian naval drone attack in the Black Sea, Ukrainian sources say. The assault reportedly occurred near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, which is a ...
Ukraine's Sea Drones Attack Russian Black Sea Fleet Base
The Magura V5 drone is the "main and best weapon available to Ukraine" to target the Black Sea Fleet, HUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov said. The Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that two ...