Main sail reef point locations

[Jalepeno]

I’ve ordered a new main sail and now need to decide the location of the reef points. I’m looking for some feedback from our member as to what works around here on our Canadian West Coast with an eye for going around Vancouver Island in the neer future.
My present main sail is about 133 sq. ft. with two reef points. The 1st is at 46” above the tack for an estimated area of 95sq.ft. (~72% area) and the second is at 88” above the tack for an estimated area of 70sq.ft. (~54% area).
This seems to work fairly well for winds encountered on our Strait of Georgia but is the second reef deep enough for posible higher wind on the open coast?
I’d like to stay away from having using three reefs if possible but will go there if recommended. Liza Copeland in her books stated the reef points on s/v Bagheera were at 64%, 36% and 25% of the full area.
Does anyone even know the location of their reef points?

 

[Joe]

what does the sailmaker recommend?

 

[Ted]

To be fair, we need more information. The Cal 25, if I remember correctly, is a masthead rig. What is the wind strength you are planning to encounter? What size headsail are you planning to use? I hope you don't plan to roll up a 155% headsail to act as your storm sail. Since the drive on a masthead rig is primarily from the headsail, a fat roll at the luff will kill pointing and drive. Sail Magazine had an article last month (January 2014) regarding storm sails. It might be a good read. More reefs = more options. I personally don't think a third reef is necessary unless you are in true storm conditions and do not plan to use a trysail. I would prefer a third reef to a trysail because it is much easier to take another reef than it is to rig a trysail. In that case, reduce your main luff by at least 40% and greater for smaller, more tender boats.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ted's right, but allow me to offer a parallel observation. We sailed a Catalina 25, masthead rig for 12+ years. I used the second reef once or twice. If I'd needed anything more, I either wouldn't be out in those conditions or would have either dropped the jib (no furling - we ran either an 85 or 110) or the main and sailed on one sail depending on course & wind direction.

I think those would be better options for that boat. That would allow you to just have two reef points, 1/3, 2/3 or whatever your sailmaker suggests for how he built the sail. Get extra reinforcing patches at the luff and clew. I don't bother with the bunt lines, never use them on the first of our two reefs, even removed them from the second reef. (On our C34 we have the same two jibs with furling, I still NEVER furl a jib, but use the right sized jib for the conditions.)

We use double line reefing, separate clew and tack lines.

Good luck, have a great trip.

 

[Jalepeno]

More info:
She is a CAL 2-25 (aka. CAL 25 mk II) mast head cruising sailboat that has more in common with a CAL 27 than the older original flat top CAL 25.
see: http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=711
I have not felt over powered with one reef in the present main sail in winds 20 kts gusting to 25+. I'd like to be able to sail in winds up to 30 or 35 kts if possible as there are not may sheltered spots on the open west coast.
I am waiting for feedback from North Sails but doing my own homework also.
The headsail is a Yankee cut (high clue) extending back about 110% on a Haken fuling/reefing rig and yes the headsail does retain a very good shape when it is partially rolled. I do not have or intend to get a stom sails at this time.

 

[Don Guillette]

Joe & Stu are correct (as always) -- your sailmaker is your best source of info.

 

[haddad126]

Adding reef to main

I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago, wanting to add a second reef to my main.
The guy who was going to do the work simply got on the phone with someone at Sailrite and the person there gave him very precise instructions as to the location of the two cringes as well as the reef points.
It worked out great.

 

[Jalepeno]

Follow-up on location of mainsail reef point locations:

1. Most sailors don’t have any idea of their reef point locations.

2. Most sail makes recommend the following:
Sails with one (1) reef point,
R1 @ ~15% hoist reduction
Sails with two (2) reef points,
R1 @ ~11% hoist reduction
R2 @ ~24% hoist reduction
Sails with three (3) reef points,
R1 @ ~11% hoist reduction
R2 @ ~23% hoist reduction
R3 @ ~38% hoist reduction

3. My existing main sail has two (2) reef points,
R1 @ ~16% hoist reduction
R2 @ ~34% hoist reduction

4. After much consultation and deliberation with local sailors (and North Sails), I have confirmed my new mainsail order to include three (3) reef points. This should maximise the range of wind speeds that I can sail in year round our waters without being overpowered.
R1 @ 11.5% hoist reduction
R2 @ 24% hoist reduction
R3 @ 37% hoist reduction

p.s. We had a bit of a blow here yesterday:
Strait of Georgia, South: winds ESE 29, gusts to 38konts, waves to 1.8 metres (6ft)
Strait of Georgia, North: winds SSE 31, gusts to 39konts, waves to 2.6 metres (8½ft)