Reefing

[landonshaw]

Does anyone have an easier way to reef a sail? We have a two reefs in the sail. I do not know the proper words for the parts so I will describe. There are two rings at the reef points, one on port one on starboard, connected with a strap. The rings attach to a hook on the mast by the boom.

Generally a task to get both rings set on the first reef, VERY hard on the second. We reef on days that we are out and winds pick up greater than 20 knots. Up to then we reduce sail by bringing in the jib. Winds here are generally always 15 to 20. During winter we get Christmas winds greater than 20k.


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[HappyMdRSailor]

There almost as many ways to reef as there are sailors and boats!

If reefing were as easy as a course correction, we'd all be doing it just for fun...
Reefing early before the major wind component is key... Adding reefing lines complicates, but eases the procedure... If the major obstacle of obtaining the 2nd reef is pulling effort to get the tack down, try using your topping lift a bit... Inward toward the goose, loosen the outhaul beforehand...

I'm finding a lack of explainability today... Others will chime in with tips!

[nigel1]

Ease main sheet vang, and haul on topping lift to lift boom a touch.
If you know it's going to be a blow, reef before leaving the dock, then drop the sail again.
Reef early before wind strength makes it difficult (easier said than done), I should listen to my own advise.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Oh... and vang....
(sillysailor)

[NahanniV]

I think I have the same setup.

You only need to hook the ring on ONE side !
Hook whichever side is easier.
The ring on the other end just pulls into the grommet.

That should make it easier

Cheers,
JM.

[estarzinger]

Originally Posted by landonshaw

Generally a task to get both rings set on the first reef, VERY hard on the second.

First, it is NOT required that you get both rings over both horns. One ring over one horn for each reef is sufficient. You can make these webbing straps a bit longer and that often helps.

Second, rather than the horns, it is easier to put a pad eye on the mast, with two rope strops tied/spliced to it, with quick release shackles on their ends. You then just snap these shackles to the rings on the sail. This is how the tack reefs are often secured on larger boats. It is rather easier than trying to pull your rings under the horns

Third, instead of simple fixed length strops, you can use tackles. That way they can be long when you attach them to make it easy and then you pull on them and the tighten/shorten up. This is like a 'Cunningham'. It is perhaps an unnecessary complication, but does make things easier.

[Training Wheels]

I changed my reeling tack hooks to eyes that I have dyneema loops luggage tagged to. I put a cleat on the mast. Now, when I reef, I run the loop through the reef point and put it over the cleat. Quick and easy to do, plus it stays put until you take it off. I have one on both sides, so both reef points can be tied in at the same time.

Mark your halyard at the appropriate places, so you you just lower the halyard to the mark.

You could also attach snap shackles to the gooseneck or mast, on loops, and just snap shackle to your reef tacks.


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[landonshaw]

Thanks, I have attached the rings on both sides as often as I can. Always wondered if I needed both. Sounds like a few suggestions to follow up on. Thanks. Generally try to reef before going out, although not often enough. When I'm out for days, the first I generally don't reef until night time. Then I reef and leave it in for the rest of the trip.


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[barnakiel]

What do you mean by "both rings"? If you have a typical two rings and webbing arrangement then only one ring goes on the horn (hook).

Only one ring goes on the horn, the other stays at the sail.

When reef No2 goes down, the opposite ring (of the second reef) goes on the opposite horn.

If it is difficult, you are doing something wrong.

b.

[landonshaw]

I have always hooked both rings, starboard and port when I reef the sail. Hard to get the second ring into position to attach on th hook. By just doing one, that should make it a lot easier.

[MarkJ]

Last 4 posts have it all

Often you can't reef early so its gotta be done when there's too much wind so having an easy method is essential

I bring the boat up to 30 degrees from the wind (using engine if absolutely must but watch for lines overboard). Drop halyard to marked position, etc.

Oh, and never fear to reef. Sometimes when heading downwind and I want to reef I get scared at turning up - a big blast as apparent wind hits. But its always better to tuck the reef in so just be brave and do the work

[barnakiel]

On our boat, it is only in heavy downwind situations that I must physically pull the sail down. In all other situations I only ease the halyard to the reef mark, slack the sail (sheet and vang) so that it flogs once at which point it nearly always slides down one reef. I go forward and put the reef cringle on the horn. Then I go back to the cockpit and make the halyard tight. Job done. About 30 seconds work, no effort.

Whenever things get hard to do, you risk injure or damage.

Try reefing in flat conditions, see if it is hard because something gets stuck.

b.

[landonshaw]

I emailed the sail maker of our main sail, Mack Sails in Florida. GREAT sail and extremely good service.

They agree that only one hook is needed on the reef. That leaves the other horn available for a second reef.

sv Aloisius, Dave


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