Top down adapters
Top down adapters are a quick, simple way to convert a standard code zero furling drum for top down applications. Top down adapters are specifically designed to convert a code zero drum for top down furling. They are simply a free flying bearing around a pin/jaw connector between the furling drum and the torsional cable. This essential swivel allows the tack of the sail to fly freely whilst the torque from the furling drum travels up the full length of the torsional cable where the sail starts to furl. Read more...
Is there an alternative to a top down adapter?
At the very beginning of top down furling, many manufacturers produced dedicated top down furling drums with an integrated swivel. The advantage of these dedicated top down drums is that they were light and compact. However, the significant benefits of a top down adapter have meant that over thye year most manufacturers are phasing out dedicated top down drums even in grand prix offshore racing.
How do I use the top down adapter in practice?
The top down adapter lives on the tack of the asymmetric sail, getting stowed with the sail in the sail bag when not in use. The Torsional cable fits in the jaw of the adapter and a lashing connects the tack of the sail to the swivel. This lashing is used to fine-tune sail luff tension, relative to the cable, when the sailis first used, but then left alone (hence the reason the top down adjuster lives with the sail. The adapter is then quick / simple to plug into the furling drum. It is generally advisable to match the top down adapter manufacturer and SWL to your existing drum.
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