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In our previous blog, we explained what we meant by the term “structural furling forestay”. In this article we look at when to use traditional wire vs a composite cable as the torsional stay.

Structural forestay furling systems using a normal wire stay are available on the market for boat lengths of up to approx. 10-11 m and a maximum of 7 mm wire diameter. If you look closely at the way a wire cable is made, it is wound in a spiral which lends itself quite nicely to handle torsional furling loads.

Continuing our series of ‘Guest Posts’, this week, we asked Charles ‘Butch ‘Ulmer from UK Sailmakers NY for his thoughts on setting up the most favourable offshore cruising headsail configuration.

Continuous line furlers, together with a torsional cable, is an alternative furling system for the main structural forestay. This is an increasingly popular, lightweight choice for both racing and cruising sailors.

You have a 39 footer and are interested in using the same furling unit for both your code zero and asymmetric spinnaker. We take a look at the furling unit options and discuss the available torsional cables depending on your sailing style and budget.

You have a 42ft cruising boat and you are looking for options for a top-down furling system (for free-flying downwind asymmetric sails). We take a quick look at your main furling unit and cable choices in this size range.

You have a 25ft sportsboat and need a top-down furler, which one should you choose?

One of upffront.com's key principles is to offer a good selection of hardware and rigging options with high quality technical information to give you the information you need to make informed product choices.