Furling system for sailboats

In a roller reefing system for sailboats employing a forestay wherein the forestay of the sailboat may remain in place and wherein the roller reefing system surrounds the forestay when installed and in use, said improvement comprising:

• the roller reefing system including a furling member comprising a plurality of substantially identical cross section members and of total length slightly less than the overall length of said forestay;
• each of said plurality of substantially identical cross section members having a longitudinal opening therethrough to provide a continuous opening through said roller reefing system for receiving said forestay and for receiving support from said forestay when in use;
• a union between each of said plurality of members, said union comprising:
• a sleeve extending partially into the end of each adjoining member within the said continuous opening and surrounding the forestay;
• bearing means at each of said unions;
• said bearing means comprising a split cylindrically shaped low friction solid;
• said bearing means having a central opening dimensioned to encircle the forestay in sliding engagement therewith;
• the exterior of said bearing means having an external dimension corresponding to the internal dimension of said sleeve and in press fit therewith to retain said bearing in position;
• wherein said bearing means includes an annular groove therein;
• and
• securing means accessible from the exterior of said adjacent members for securing said sleeve to both said adjacent members;
• one of said securing means extending into the annular groove of said bearing means to additionally secure said bearing means from longitudinal movement within said roller reefing system;
• and
• means coupled to the lowermost of said members for rotating said roller reefing system.