Abstract: A bearing block has a head, a central hub, bearing means facilitating rotation of the sheave about the central hub. The block further has locking means for removably locking a length of high strength, fibrous material, such as cord, to the block for tethering the block to a boat deck or the like. The locking means may be a part of the block head, cheeks, or may be located at the block central hub. Preferred locking means are a plurality of passages for the cord ends to pass through, with set screws in two of the passages for removably holding the cord ends therein. A center portion of the cord length thus forms a loop for tethering the block.

Abstract: A furling foil rotatably mounted on a stay of a sailing vessel carries the forward edge of the sail, and the foil is rotated to furl the sail. The foil is of composite construction and has an inner reinforcing braided layer of high tensile filaments extending helically in both directions to substantially increase the torsion resistance of the foil while allowing the foil to be bent or coiled along its length for easy transportation and storage.

Abstract: A boom for a sailing vessel has a forked forward portion hinged to the mast at spaced locations to permit rotation or swinging of the boom only in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method and device for gathering a mainsail in a cavity within the boom as the sail is being lowered. The boom has a plurality of engaged rollers which draw in or let out the sail by tractive forces.