Furling Drum

A rotating mechanism at the base of a headsail furling system that enables the controlled rolling and unrolling of the sail around the forestay. 

A furling drum is an essential component of a headsail furling system, commonly found on modern sailing yachts to facilitate easier sail handling. It is typically mounted at the base of the forestay and consists of a rotating drum that houses a furling line. When the line is pulled, the drum rotates, rolling the sail around the forestay for storage or reefing. Releasing the line allows the sail to unfurl, often assisted by the wind. 

Furling drums are particularly useful for headsails such as genoas and jibs, allowing sailors to adjust sail area without needing to go forward on deck in challenging conditions. They can be manually operated or integrated into electric or hydraulic systems on larger yachts. Proper maintenance, including regular inspection of bearings, furling lines, and connections, ensures smooth operation and longevity. 

Furling drums improve safety and convenience, making sail handling more manageable, especially for short-handed crews or in heavy weather.