Hello, I have looked around and couldn't find the answer so here is the question. On my Chrysler C22, there is a row of grommets running horizontal on the mainsail a couple feet above the boom. Is this my reefing point? If
Reefing point?
- Thread starter boulevardtalonman
- Start date
Generally, the aft-most grommet is the clew cringle and the fore-most is the tack cringle. These are generally designed to take the strain of tensioned lines when reefed. The other ones that run along the sail - these are not intended to be load bearing, and are often referred to as reef points.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,080
If you want a definitive answer it is best to show a photo of your main sail raised up on the mast.
Here is a picture of a Chryseler 22. You can see that this mainsail does not have reefing points.
A @Foswick explains the cringle on the luff and the cringle on the leach are there to create a new tack (shortening the sail to the first reef) and new Clew.
If your sail design has these two reef cringle (note these will be reinforced to handle the strain) then you have a single reef. The points in between these two points are used to bundle the middle of the sail. They have no strength and should not be tied to the boom.
Here is a picture of a Chryseler 22. You can see that this mainsail does not have reefing points.
A @Foswick explains the cringle on the luff and the cringle on the leach are there to create a new tack (shortening the sail to the first reef) and new Clew.
If your sail design has these two reef cringle (note these will be reinforced to handle the strain) then you have a single reef. The points in between these two points are used to bundle the middle of the sail. They have no strength and should not be tied to the boom.
P.S. we hardly ever bother tying off the reefing points. The tack and clew cringles are what reef the sail and in the conditions where you need a reef you don't need people tying little knots every few feet along the boom that need to be undone later. The sail bunches up and flaps a bit, but not enough to matter much.
It is very important that you understand that your reefing lines, other than the tack and clew, must not be tightened, especially if they have to go around the boom. The proper place to tie the reef points is around the bolt rope on the foot of the sail. Obviously, if your sail's foot slides into the boom, this isn't possible, so make them a bit longer.
As above, using reefing lines is mostly aesthetic, but if you intend to leave the reef in for any length of time, it is nice to tuck the sail up neatly with the reefing lines.
As above, using reefing lines is mostly aesthetic, but if you intend to leave the reef in for any length of time, it is nice to tuck the sail up neatly with the reefing lines.
I use 1/4" bungie cord to bundle the sail (around the boom) to provide relief on the grommets.
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I think this is what I have. We are planning on taking the boat out next weekend (weather permitting). I will be taking several photos and making some posts then.