Sail Reefing

Learning how to properly reef your mainsail will not only keep your vessel under control in a rising wind, it can also help minimize repair trips to your local sail loft.

Many sailors new to the sport question how a boat continues to sail in a controlled manner when the wind rises. Of course they do. Weekend afternoons on our local waterways are filled with sails luffing in the wind as sailors attempt to de-power their sails. How many times have you seen a boat attempting to remain in control with excess heel and an out-of-control helm?

In most instances, reducing the overall sail area helps. Furling the jib is usually the first step on boats with furling systems. But as the wind rises further, the sail area must continue to be reduced.

Before looking at the specifics of mainsail reefing, it is important to point out that leaving the jib set and powered will allow the boat not only to continue sailing, but will also stabilize the boat for those on deck. Most new sailors will douse or furl in the jib, start the engine and then reef. But leaving no wind in any of the sails leaves the boat at the mercy of the waves.

Prior to reefing, check that the boom vang is eased, allowing the boom to move as high as necessary for the reefing. If you are being assisted, be sure that all involved know the sequence of events about to transpire. It is most important to be sure that the person on the lines knows which is the main sheet, and which is the main halyard. They need to know how to release a halyard safely when it is loaded if the boat uses line breaks with handles, wrap the halyard on a winch before releasing. Also, keep in mind that the person on deck doing the reefing really needs to call the shots here. The person on the helm may not really be able to direct this process or know where crew is in the exact sequence.

With the boat on a close reach, we must first be sure to de-power the main. Ease the main sheet out fully so that mainsail is fully luffed. It is important to re-cleat the main. If the mainsheet is left unsecured, the arc of the boom's movement will increase and carry out more main sheet with each wave.

After the main is de-powered, lower the halyard until the luff grommet can be secured on the hook. Then, raise and secure the main halyard. Next, tighten the reef line so that the clew grommet is on the boom or as close to the boom as possible. Then trim the mainsail back in. In extended sailing, many prudent sailors add an additional safety line to the clew in case the reef line fails.

It is important to remember that the while the intermittent reef points, now along the foot, are used to secure the excess sail, they are not load bearing. If any stress marks are noted, these lines should be eased.

Once the boat's sail area is reduced, the boat will sail more efficiently and comfortably; you'll have more control, less healing and reduced weather helm. Of course, if the weather looks like it would further deteriorate into something really bad, it's important to reef early or seek safe harbor prior to any storm. And always remember the old sailor's words of wisdom, "When in doubt, reef it out".

Steve Colgate is the founder of Colgate Sailing Schools, with locations in Tortola BVI, Captiva Island FL, Duck Key FL, St. Petersburg FL, Chelsea Piers NY, Liberty Landing NJU and Newport RI.

Offshore Sailing Schools
16731 McGregor Blvd.
Fort Myers, Florida 33908
1-888-454-8002
239-454-1700
Fax: 239-454-1191
e-mail: [email protected]

www.offshore-sailing.com