Furl

Rolling or gathering a sail so it is stowed and no longer drawing.

This may be done around a forestay, inside a mast, along a boom, or by tying the sail neatly with sail ties. It reduces windage, protects the sail and prepares the vessel for mooring, anchoring or stronger conditions. A partly furled sail may still carry load, so lines should be handled with care. Neat stowage helps prevent flogging, chafe and damage to sailcloth, battens and fittings.