Best Method to Reef a Furling Main

[Lee Hadjiosif]

I'm interested in opinions on how to reef a furling mail when the wind picks up. Do you start the engine and turn into the wind? Do you try to reef with side pressure on the sail? How about loosening the outhaul and main sheet? Would that make it easier? I found myself in this predicament last weekend and was not sure what would be the most efficient method. Thanks
Lee
S/V Adagio

 

[capejt]

What's worked for me is to release the main sheet til it luffs, bring in the reefing line as you let out on the outhaul. It's a lot like reefing the jib in that you don't want it just flapping around or you'll get a sloppy furl. Don't let out enough of the outhaul, and you're fighting to get it in. It's all about balance.

 

[shemandr]

Probably 90% of in mast furling boats start the engine and bring the boat into the wind to furl the main. When we had ours we could do it at anchor, or in light wind by luffing the main to port (As I remember). But if it was over 12 we would probably use the engine. I never found this to be effortless.
I learnt how to release enough outhaul, and to take in enough in haul to make it a one person job. But it was never easy. When it was windy it was effortful.

 

[seadaddler]

Fast

It will take some practice or just a few times doing it until it gets easy,turn into the wind with the autopilot and loosen the outhaul and furl in the main sail.
Nick

 

[Lee Hadjiosif]

Thank you all for your input. I'm just never sure when it's OK to start reefing with side pressure on the sail. I can always pull it in a little but I'm always worried that I may damage or rip the sail or even the roller mechanism. I will have to practice more to find the balance. I know that in 22 kts wind, I had to turn almost into the wind to get it started.

 

[wflowe2]

Depending on the type of system you have, there may be different answers. I had a Beneteau with a "Z" Spars ( now U.S. Spars I think) that was more work furling in high winds but still I never had to start the engine; easing the main sheet and outhaul were enough. I currently have a Catalina with the Seldon continuous line system and I can furl in high winds by just easing the outhaul enough that the furling can be accomplished--again, no engine necessary.

One of the most important factors is not waiting to furl until the wind is so big.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Additonal ideas:

1. If you use the engine, don't operate at WOT or even cruising speed. Since you need to go somewhat upwind to do it, reduce the apparent wind by motoring slowly.

2. Many skippers have reported that it works better if they are a little off the wind so the sail goes in one side or the other. The side will depend on which way your sail furls into the mast.

3. Consider trying to furl without your engine sailing close hauled or at least a close reach on your jib trimmed properly, dump the traveler all the way to leeward, to partially luff the main, then furl it. It's like reefing-on-the-run, only you furl it all the way it.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Point the wind (or even run dead downwind so the sail is empty of air), loosen the main sheet enough so the sail can actually lift the boom while furling (otherwise the foot of the sail will be furled with too much tension), release the outhaul and hold it relatively tight (not too much) and at the same time start furling the sail. All these under normal circumstances.
In case of a blow or if need to furl in a rush for any reason, you can do it bit by bit (release a little bit of outhaul, furl, repeat) at basically any point of sail. But at the first chance unfurl it and furl it properly otherwise you are damaging the sail.

 

[seadaddler]

Furling

Since your new start reefing at 15-18 knots and do this the first times
when ever the wind goes over 10 knots and this way your will learn how to do it.
Any time after 15 knots to 20 knots you should reef and so try reefing before
the wind goes over 15 knots and you will see the best way for you to reef.
Most time when the winds any where near 20 knots reefing will allow the boat
to go faster reefed and if the boat heals too much it will be over powered and the boat will slow down,I have owned my 07 h-36 since new and been reefing
for many years.
When ever furling back into the mast always add tension on the out haul
by wrapping the out haul 1 or 2 times around this winch and furl in the sail
or let the wind keep pressure on the sail as you point into the wind keeping the sail to starboard with the wind pressing on the sail and always make sure the sail furls in tight to prevent bunching of the sail.
Nick