Managing jib sheets in high winds.

[Hoodsail]

Originally Posted by SV Confianza

I’m not sure why it’s frowned upon to furl with the winch. As long as you’re paying attention to make sure it doesn’t bind up, winch away and keep the sheets orderly with the other hand.

My reservation with using a winch on my genoa furling line is I am less apt to notice/feel if the furler is bound up. In 15-20k of wind or more, single-handed, I use Chotu's method, head up a little, sheet in, fall off, head up a little, sheet in, fall off until and repeat until completely furled...running down wind and using the main to blanket makes sense, but I am usually just sailing with genoa when single-handing in 15k or more of wind. thnks

[nofacey]

50ft cutter - Furled my foresails for 5 yrs full time cruising offshore using the winches in any amount of wind. Yes you had to watch line load…..but don’t you in any case?
Frequently done solo……grind furler with one hand, leave a single wrap on sheet winch. In high winds, had to hold light tension on sheet…..as per Chotu, little sheet out, little furler in, repeat. Never let sheets fly, even tacking

[boatman61]

I tend to leave a turn on the jib sheet winch and haul in the furler, it controls things nicely.
Occasionally it sticks but a quick flick sets it free again.