Is a furling mainsail or lazy bag better? Here's the truth that no one tells you

Описание: *Is a furling mainsail or a lazy bag better? Discover the pros and cons with practical examples!*

In this video, we help you clarify a very common doubt among sailors: is it better to have a boat with a furling mainsail in the mast or one with a lazy bag and traditional mainsail? Together with Marco Ackler, expert sailor and racing yacht builder, we analyse the differences with concrete examples and simple explanations.

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Furling mainsail: advantages and disadvantages

The furling mainsail (or roller-furling mainsail), in this case integrated into the mast, is a solution designed to make life easier for cruisers. It allows you to hoist and lower the sail in a matter of seconds, comfortably from the cockpit and without effort, even when sailing solo.

*Main advantages:*

Maximum simplicity and speed of use.
Safety: no need to leave the cockpit.
Excellent for small crews or relaxed sailing.

*Disadvantages:*

Lower performance than a traditional sail.
Limitations on the shape of the sail (no battens, slimmer profiles).

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Lazy bag: what it is, how it works and when it is useful

The lazy bag is a bag that collects the mainsail when it is lowered. It evolved from the lazy jack and is widely used on cruising boats.

*Pros:*

Allows the use of full batten or square top sails (even battened).
Better performance and customisation of the sail.
One person can easily handle it.

*Cons:*

Still requires someone near the mast to adjust the sail.
Visual obstruction during sailing (but there are solutions for rolling it up neatly).

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Is there a middle ground? Yes: the furling mainsail in the boom.

For those who want the best of both worlds – practicality and performance – there is the furling mainsail in the boom. In this system, the sail rolls horizontally inside a special boom (Park Avenue type), while still allowing the use of battened sails with high performance shapes.

*Limitations:*

This solution is reserved for boats from 40-45 feet upwards.
The weight and bulk are not suitable for small boats (e.g. 6 metres).

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In summary, **the choice between a furling mainsail, lazy bag or furling boom depends on your sailing style**, the crew on board and your priorities: comfort or performance?

🎥 *Watch the full video to see the differences with practical examples and understand which solution is perfect for you!*

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