Furling is the act of rolling or folding sails on a sailing vessel. Its spelling is phonetically represented as /ˈfɜːrlɪŋ/. The first sound is a voiced dental fricative, [ð], followed by a vowel of moderate length, [ɜː]. The 'r' sound is pronounced with a tapped or flapped sound, [ɾ], which emphasizes the second syllable, and the final syllable is pronounced with a short 'i' sound with a soft, diminutive ending: [lɪŋ]. The phonetic transcription helps to ensure proper pronunciation and spelling of words.
Furling is a term predominantly used in the context of sailing and refers to the action of rolling or securing a sail to reduce its surface area in order to navigate in strong winds or when not in use. It is a technique employed to control the amount of exposed sail area, thereby reducing the force exerted by the wind on the vessel.
When furling a sail, the sailor or crew takes hold of the main or headsail and rolls it tightly around a furling spar or rod located at the mast or the headstay, respectively. This process effectively gathers the sailcloth and folds it neatly, preventing the sail from catching or flapping uncontrollably in the wind.
Furling is achieved through the use of a furling system, which typically consists of a drum or swivel mechanism attached to the mast or headstay, and a control line called a furling line. By pulling on the furling line, the sailor can rotate the drum or swivel, causing the sail to neatly wrap around the furling spar or rod.
The efficient furling of sails is key to maintaining control and safety on a sailing vessel. By reducing the sail area, the boat's balance and stability can be preserved, reducing the risk of capsizing or overpowering. Additionally, furling enables sailors to quickly reduce sail area in adverse weather conditions, allowing for safer navigation and preventing damage to the sails. Furling systems are commonly found on modern sailboats and have revolutionized sailing by making it more accessible, efficient, and less reliant on physical strength.
The word "furling" comes from the verb "furl", which has its origins in Middle English. The Middle English word "furlen" meant "to roll up" or "to turn back". It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "forller", which has the same meaning. The Old French term, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word "volvere", meaning "to roll". So, the etymology of "furling" can be traced back to Latin through Old French and Middle English.