"Over the past 25-plus years, we have installed some hundred or so Dutchman Flaking Systems. Not one customer has returned to say they wished they had kept their lazy jacks. Great mainsail handling system for both cruising and club racing mainsails."
- Tom Kinney, Quantum Sails Connecticut
The Dutchman System offers a distinct approach to mainsail handling. Like any system, it comes with trade-offs. Here, we break down how it works, where it excels, and what to consider.
For the system to perform as intended, proper installation is critical. Our team has been working with the Dutchman since Quantum's inception in 1996, installing it on boats from 20 to 90 feet. While the Dutchman is often compared to lazy jacks, installation is more involved and requires additional hardware, increasing the upfront cost. But in practice, it delivers a more controlled, efficient way to manage your mainsail. For many sailors, that added precision and reliability is well worth it.
The key difference is in how the system interacts with the sail. Dutchman control lines run through the sail itself, guiding it to flake neatly onto the boom. Instead of gathering in a loose pile, the sail stacks cleanly and predictably. The lines don't interfere during hoists or drops, and you don't need to be perfectly head-to-wind to douse the sail.
"We started installing the system in the late 80's. One thing we really appreciate as a sailmaker is Dutchman's support. Probably the best example of this is the 65-foot Pedrick Ketch that we installed the system on in May 2016. This beautiful, Maine-built ketch with classic lines had an 80-foot hoist with a 24-foot E dimension for the mainsail. The system has been absolutely flawless on both the main and mizzen. The owner and captain both love it even after nine years of service. Martin from Dutchman came out on the Seatrials, which was much appreciated. After 40 years, it certainly is a proven solution and the best option for customers looking for something more effective than lazy jacks."
- Steve Thurston, Quantum Sails Bristol, Rhode Island
The Dutchman also pairs exceptionally well with modern, higher-performance sails. Unlike lazy jacks or lazy bags, which tend to favor softer sails, the Dutchman performs best with stiffer constructions that hold their shape. That means better sail performance, improved efficiency, and more control as conditions build.
Because of this, the typical Dutchman customer is performance-minded and detail-oriented. Owners of boats like Sabre, Swan, X-Yachts, Hanse, Dehler, Beneteau First, Catalina, and J Boats often choose the system for its clean look, ease of handling, and refined finish on deck.
"We learned the system when a member of our sailing club arrived with his Santa Cruz 50 from California, where he lived for many years. It was his 2nd mainsail with the Dutchman, and we had never seen something like it before. Karsten (that's his name) invited us for a test sail, and it was awesome! The main dropped and auto-flaked itself in seconds! We started selling the Dutchman system, and every client who is using the system is convinced that they made the right decision. New clients are sometimes afraid that the vertical lines are very visible and do not look good. I then suggest that they walk the dock here in our local marina and try to find those yachts equipped with the Dutchman system - it is very difficult to see. Even from close up!"
- Sven P Krause, Quantum Sails Germany, Flensburg
Covering a Dutchman-equipped sail is typically done with a slightly modified conventional cover. Because the sail flakes lower and more neatly on the boom, it's often easier to manage than a lazy bag system. For boats where access is more challenging, simple solutions like a mini halyard or boathook can make the process straightforward.
We also install the Dutchman on many classic yachts, where its low-profile design preserves traditional aesthetics while improving sail handling.
"We have owned our custom 42' Herreshoff ketch for some 25 years now, and we cruise on her from Annapolis to Maine. Mostly it's just the 2 of us. Hanging off the taffrail to secure the mizzen was starting to get a bit old, so after some research, we installed a two-line Dutchman three seasons ago. Quantum Annapolis did a fabulous job. We liked it so much that the next year we added a three-line Dutchman to the main. It really works like a charm after the sails develop a bit of memory. It's great for reefing, but the main thing is that it makes shorthanded sailing so much easier. Before, we would struggle with securing the sails. Now the main and mizzen flake right down and behave themselves wonderfully! Last year, we had a professional Captain bring her back from Maine. He had sailed her in the past without the system and was equally impressed with how much easier she now is to sail. We are huge fans of the Dutchman System!
- Alan and Christine Brown
The Dutchman, Offshore
The Dutchman is also a strong choice for offshore sailors. Unlike lazy jacks, it minimizes chafe over long passages and keeps the sail controlled on the boom when reefed, often eliminating the need for intermediate reef ties. With lines led aft, reefing can be managed entirely from the cockpit.
Its simplicity is a key advantage offshore. In heavy air, loose lines and flogging sails can quickly become a problem. The Dutchman system is designed with that in mind. Its control lines will break under excessive load, helping prevent larger issues if something fouls. Repairs are straightforward, with spare line stored onboard.
There are no widespread reports of serious offshore incidents tied to the Dutchman system, or lazy jacks, for that matter. The same cannot be said for some in-boom or in-mast furling systems, which introduce additional complexity and can place sailors and equipment at risk.
"The Dutchman system is what I used on my own boat." - Jason Currie, US Sales Manager, Quantum Sails.
Whether you're refining your current setup or building a new sail plan from the ground up, the Dutchman System is worth a closer look. Connect with your Quantum representative to learn more about how it works, explore your options, and determine if it's the right fit for your boat, your sailing style, and the way you want to handle your mainsail.