What is the "Rule of Thumb" for percentage of mainsail remaining exposed after setting the #1 Reef? And how much is left when sailing with the #2 reef? Do these percentages change, if the main is built with a #3 reef? And, if so, what are the percentages for the main with 3 sets of reefing points?
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Benny
Benny&Jon, I would like to jump in and ask a another question, If I order a sail with one reef point is the 1st reef likely to be a deeper reef than the same sail with two reef points? I hope you can follow my question. Thanks, Jack
Benny&Jon, I would like to jump in and ask a another question, If I order a sail with one reef point is the 1st reef likely to be a deeper reef than the same sail with two reef points? I hope you can follow my question. Thanks, Jack
Rule of thumb
Over 15 mph, one reef or pull in the jib. Over 20 mph, second reef with jib pulled in. Over 25 mph, third reef if you've got one. Alternatively, boat sails well on jib only.
Over 15 mph, one reef or pull in the jib. Over 20 mph, second reef with jib pulled in. Over 25 mph, third reef if you've got one. Alternatively, boat sails well on jib only.
% Remaining in the Mainsail After Reefing
If I understand you question correctly, it is my understanding that the "rules of thumb" are as follows for a mainsail. On a sail designed to have 2 reef points after the first reef you have 70% to 65% of the main left, after the second reef you have 45% to 40% of the sail left. On a sail designed to have 3 reef points after the first reef you have about 75% to 70% of the sail left, after the second reef you have 55% to 50% of the sail left and after the third reef you have 40% to 35% of the sail left. The theory I was told by a sailmaker was that you want the first reef to take the largest percent out of the main, the second reef to take the second the second largest percent out of the main, and the third reef to take the lowest percent out of the main. The first reef should take the most out of the sail. It is my understanding that if you have to go down to a third or even a fourth reef you are generally better off going to a storm trysail.
If I understand you question correctly, it is my understanding that the "rules of thumb" are as follows for a mainsail. On a sail designed to have 2 reef points after the first reef you have 70% to 65% of the main left, after the second reef you have 45% to 40% of the sail left. On a sail designed to have 3 reef points after the first reef you have about 75% to 70% of the sail left, after the second reef you have 55% to 50% of the sail left and after the third reef you have 40% to 35% of the sail left. The theory I was told by a sailmaker was that you want the first reef to take the largest percent out of the main, the second reef to take the second the second largest percent out of the main, and the third reef to take the lowest percent out of the main. The first reef should take the most out of the sail. It is my understanding that if you have to go down to a third or even a fourth reef you are generally better off going to a storm trysail.
Reductions
20-25% reduction with 1st reef 40-50% reduction with 2nd reef 60-75% reduction with 3rd reef Thats the 'general' rule when setting up a new sail and the customer doesnt specify any other - then it can be anything the customer wants. On a 4-batten (full batten) sail the reefpoints are usually 'under' the battens. A = 1/2 B X H R1 = 1/2 B X .75H R1 = 1/2 B X .5H R3= 1/2 B X .25H all approx.
20-25% reduction with 1st reef 40-50% reduction with 2nd reef 60-75% reduction with 3rd reef Thats the 'general' rule when setting up a new sail and the customer doesnt specify any other - then it can be anything the customer wants. On a 4-batten (full batten) sail the reefpoints are usually 'under' the battens. A = 1/2 B X H R1 = 1/2 B X .75H R1 = 1/2 B X .5H R3= 1/2 B X .25H all approx.
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