Code Zero Furling

Paralleling innovation in the sail design arena, Harken designed Code Zero furlers to tame the enormous loads generated by the new Code Zero sails, such as screechers, gennakers and staysails, in conditions with apparent wind angles of 30 to 50 degrees.

"The first Code Zero furlers were developed by our Custom Engineering Department and used aboard Volvo 60 around-the-world racers," said Olaf Harken company vice president. "Now the technology has trickled down, making this high-performance lightweight gear available to all sailors."

Code Zero furlers are just that-furlers. No reefing is necessary. They are driven by a simple rope driver and use a minimal amount of continuous line. The rope rides on a large-diameter eight-faceted sheave that grips the line, similar to the jaws of a self-tailing winch. Furler height is minimal so luff lengths can be maximized. Sealed, hardened-steel, roller thrust bearings handle the high loads.

Because furling a Code Zero sail requires high luff tension, an adapter kit is available to convert either the halyard or tack line into a 2:1 purchase. Code Zero 1 is used on boats from 35' (11 m) to 50' (15 m); Code Zero 2 on boats from 50' (15 m) through 65' (20 m); and Code Zero 3 on boats from 65' (20 m) to 95' (30 m).

Code Zero 1 is used on boats from 35' (11 m) to 50' (15 m); Code Zero 2 on boats from 50' (15 m) through 65' (20 m); and Code Zero 3 on boats from 65' (20 m) to 95' (30 m).