I should know this

[lajimo]

Went out singlehanded this am and had steady 15 with gusts to 20, short chop 2-3 ft and whitecaps. I unfurled the jib (130) and had a nice couple of hours on a close reach in and out. When it came time to furl the jib I turned on the engine, turned into the wind, set the autopilot and attempted to furl. A combination of chop and gusts slightly askew the wind kept pushing the bow around and putting too much wind into the sail and I couldn't furl. After floundering around awhile I finally turned off the auto and let go the jib lines while holding the wheel with my foot and furling. Got it all in but with a real birds nest of tangled sheets. Any suggestions on what I should have done?

[Faster]

Furling always works best by bearing off, heading on a deep broad reach and furl the sail in the lee of the main.. Much less strain on the furling gear, esp in a breeze. Sounds like you had plenty of sea room for that. You can do this under sail... another good reason not to get into the habit of headsail-only sailing.... even a reefed main would have helped.

[lajimo]

Good point - I will try that next time, thanks.