Furling Collection

Furling the Sails Victorian period

Furling Sail in the Pack, c1910–1913, (1913). Artist: Herbert Ponting
Furling Sail in the Pack, c1910– 1913, (1913). Sailors on the Terra Nova. The final expedition of British Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912)

Volunteer, 1894. Creator: Johns Johnston
Volunteer, 1894

Tigress and Albicore, between 1890 and 1900. Creator: Johns Johnston
Tigress and Albicore, between 1890 and 1900

Nautilus, 1891 June 16. Creator: Johns Johnston
Nautilus, 1891 June 16. Sail being furled or unfurled

Furling sails, Sailing Ship

Stowing Sails
A watercolour painting which shows two young crewmembers, busy furling the sails of a ship. Date: circa 1919

Rowetts Yacht (engraving)
1609008 Rowetts Yacht (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Rowetts Yacht. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 8 August 1857)

Tasmanian tree fern, USA

Cinnamon fern, USA

Winter at Sea - Taking in Sail off the Coast (Harpers Weekly, Vol. VIII), January 16, 1869

Dutch Battleship in a Storm (oil on canvas) (detail)
BAL5828 Dutch Battleship in a Storm (oil on canvas) (detail) by Vroom, Hendrick Cornelisz. (1566-1640); Private Collection; (add.info)

Fishing boats at St Ives, Cornwall
A large number of fishing boats and fishermen in the harbour at St Ives, Cornwall

Up Furling Sails
Sailors cling on to the mast and yards of the Sorlandet whilst up furling the sails during the Tall Ships Race at Dartmouth

Furling the Mainsail on the Sorlandet
High above the deck of the Sorlandet three sailors cling on to the yards and rigging whilst up furling the sails during the Tall Ships Race

Sail furling at the Living Maritime Museum, Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, USA

Sailors Furling Sail
Sailors on the yard-arm furling (= folding) sail

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"Furling: The Art of Taming the Wind" In the early 20th century, Herbert Ponting captured the essence in his masterpiece "Furling Sail in the Pack. " This captivating artwork showcased a sailing ship gracefully folding its sails, as if preparing for a peaceful slumber. Furling sails was not merely an act of practicality; it was an art form that required precision and finesse. During the Victorian period, sailors would meticulously furl their sails to ensure safe and efficient voyages. As they approached land or encountered turbulent weather, stowing sails became essential for maneuverability and stability. Rowetts Yacht engraving depicts this delicate process with sailors skillfully wrapping up their billowing canvas. While furling may seem exclusive to ships at sea, even on land one can witness nature's own version of this phenomenon. Tasmanian tree ferns elegantly curl their fronds inward during harsh winters in the USA, protecting themselves from frosty winds. Similarly, cinnamon ferns delicately fold their vibrant foliage when faced with adverse conditions. The concept extends beyond nature's embrace; it also finds expression in art. In "Winter at Sea - Taking in Sail off the Coast, " featured in Harpers Weekly Vol. , we see sailors diligently furled sail amidst treacherous waves and biting cold winds. The painting captures both the danger and beauty inherent in this timeless practice. Not limited to small vessels alone, even mighty battleships must master furling during storms. A Dutch Battleship depicted on canvas reveals how these colossal warships expertly manage their massive sails while battling fierce tempests at sea. Yet amidst all these grand depictions lies a humble scene by St Ives Cornwall – fishing boats peacefully resting after a day's work with neatly furled sails adorning them like folded wings ready for flight once again.