Segelhanteringen

Segelhanteringen, or sail handling, refers to the management of sails on a sailing vessel to control speed, balance and safety. It includes selecting appropriate sails for wind and point of sail, rigging and de-rigging, hoisting and lowering, trimming sails for optimal performance, reefing to reduce sail area in stronger winds, and furling or storing sails when not in use. It also covers routine maintenance and inspection of sails and rigging.

Key activities include sail selection and rigging: choosing mainsail and headsail configurations based on wind and sea state; preparing halyards, sheets, control lines and reefing gear; ensuring lines run freely and leads are correct; and checking fittings and winches. Sail trim and handling involve shaping the sails for the wind angle by adjusting sheets and halyards, using telltales to assess airflow, and tuning vang, outhaul and downhaul as needed. Reefing is used to reduce sail area in strengthening wind, while furling systems allow quick reduction of sail area or storage of downwind sails.

Hoisting, dousing and furling are performed with care to maintain control of the sails and prevent entanglement. Sails may be raised smoothly, secured on the mast, and lowered with coordinated crew signals; roller furling or slab reefing may be employed depending on conditions.

Maintenance and storage cover inspection, repair and preservation: check for tears, UV damage, and stitching wear; clean and dry sails before storage; repair or replace worn panels and hardware; store in a dry, ventilated location away from direct sun. Regularly inspect lines, fittings and hardware for safety and reliability.

Safety and proficiency emphasize clear communication, defined crew roles, and awareness of hazards such as lines under load, entanglement, and sudden sail movement. Practice and preparation build confidence and reduce risk.