Lagoon launches first-ever furling boom system

Furling booms are common on monohulls where, unlike a catamaran where the boom could sit above the flybridge hardtop, access is easy. As well as making it much easier to drop and stow the sail at the end of a trip, a furling boom also allows owners to quickly reef the sail, making it safer for everyone onboard.

However, the larger sail plans of catamarans compared with monohulls mean that the mainsail’s battens carry a much higher compression load. Lagoon’s furling system needed to account for this to ensure the boom stayed horizontal with the battens as the mainsail was rolled onto the boom.

The system, initially developed for the Lagoon 46 and 51 and due to go on sale in January next year, uses a steel wire topping lift to ensure there is no stretch as the system ages – keeping the boom at the right height – and at a right angle to the mast – is crucial for Lagoon’s system to work.

The French brand's system comprises a 180mm diameter boom with a heavy-duty furling mandrel and an aft bearing that allows the entire boom to rotate. The aft bearing also attaches to the topping lift and mainsheet, with a cutout allowing the mainsheet to enter the boom and exit at the mast.

Of note, Lagoon’s furling system does not enclose the sail inside a casing around the boom; the idea behind this is to keep the system as simple as possible as well as allowing the skipper to keep an eye on things as the furling system operates.

The entire furling system is operated using three lines; the main halyard, a furling line that can be used on one of the cockpit’s low-speed electric winches, and the topping lift.

Lagoon said the new boom furling system was “a game changer in the market”.

“Thanks to years of research, collaboration, and innovation, this system promises to simplify and enhance the sailing experience, making it more accessible to all, especially those new to sailing,” it said.

Lagoon's range of catamarans is sold in Australia via TMG Yachts.