In this video, we are comparing furling the genoa going upwind or downwind.
In the first part, we are sailing at 45 degrees TWA, typical for sailing upwind. The sheet was released and the furling rope was pulled. Two people were not enough, it was doable with three. The sail itself was flapping fiercely and would even more in a stronger breeze. Since we are sailing upwind, the apparent wind is increased, increasing the load on the sail. At above 30 knots TWS furling with this method is almost impossible, it is very likely to cause damage due to flapping. Furling at 0 degrees TWA (head to wind) causes the genoa to smash against the mast, causing damage to the sail and steaming light.
In the second part, before sheeting we beared away from 45 TWA to 140 TWA, releasing the sheet accordingly. We kept 140 degrees TWA during furling, sailing as deep as 160 degrees TWA is also acceptable. Closer than 140 the genoa fills up more, deeper than 160 the genoa starts to come across to the other side and we are getting closer to the limit of crash gybing the main (if it is set). The sheet is eased and the furling line is pulled with ease. Since we are sailing downwind, the apparent wind is reduced, reducing the load on the sail. The sail is always filled with wind and it doesn't flap. This method makes furling the genoa easy even in a stronger 30+ knot breeze. The main helps as well since at around 160 degrees TWA the main makes a wind shadow over the genoa, making the furling even easier.