Main vs. Foresail

dlochner · Aug 10, 2018

This is one of those sort of depends.

The mainsail has more power going up wind, the jib more power going down wind. If I'm going downwind, I'll tend to reef the main first. If I'm going up wind I'll tend to reef the jib first.

The full main will give you better pointing ability when sailing to windward. The opposite is true when sailing off the wind. The main will want to round the boat up.

capta · Aug 10, 2018

Sorry, but this is another, "it depends".
I think it is completely dependant on the boat and the conditions. In different conditions, even on the same boat, you may choose to do it differently.
For instance, if a heavy sea is running and you are beating to weather, you might go for a softer ride by reefing more main than jib, whereas in calm seas with the same amount of wind you may go the other way for better pointing ability.
My best advice is to go out in windy conditions and try different combinations until you find those that best suit you and your boat. At the very least, you should become accomplished at reefing, which should give you the confidence to know you'll be fine no matter what weather changes sneak up on you.

Davidasailor26 · Aug 10, 2018

My experience is different from dlochner's. My preference is generally to reef the main first for a few reasons. First, a reefed roller furling jib often has a lousy shape, too baggy in the middle and you can't see the telltales. A reefed main can have a perfectly good shape. Second, reefing the main will tend to bring the center of effort forward, preventing the boat from being overwhelmed by weather helm. Third, it's probably easier to reef the main when conditions are first threatening, before it gets too sporty to be on deck. If conditions deteriorate further you can reef the jib from the cockpit.

Your decision might also depend on the size of the unreefed jib. A 155 might be a handful in heavy air even if the main is reefed, whereas a 135 or 110 might be very comfortable unreefed.

agprice22 · Aug 10, 2018

I had a C22. Each sail does its own thing. Together, they balance the boat fore and aft. A balanced boat tacks and handles best in weather. You cannot balance the boat with just one sail. The headsail will create lee helm, and the main will create weather helm. Weather helm is safer, as the boat turns to weather when overpowered.
If you want to sail with one sail...
It depends on conditions and whether you are sailing to your trim or trimming to sail your heading. The thing is, if you can sail to trim, drop the main, and just furl some headsail and relax, go slow. Tacking won’t be great. But I sailed plenty of times on just a furled headsail. If you gotta get somewhere specific, a second reef point on the main would not hurt. Then you can reef, furl, and achieve balance... you can adjust the furler til the boat is correctly powered and balanced.

Pearson 39-II · Aug 10, 2018

No controversy or ambivalence required. On the Catalina 22, reef the mainsail first for all the good reasons described by Davidasailor26 plus you'll reduce heel if going to windward or you'll get the main out of the way of the jib if running.

Will Gilmore · Aug 11, 2018

catalanc said:
and sail on Lake Dillon, CO where I often feel over my comfort level, but need to develop some skills and confidence.

Go thru the drills so you are confident and practiced at reefing. Know how to do it blindfolded.
You are either expecting to sail conditions over your confidence level and you reef the main before shoving off or you are suddenly caught and need to shorten sail quickly so you reduce the headsail first because it is on a roller furler and is quicker, easier and safer. Once that is done, reef the main and use the headsail's roller furler to balance the boat.
In conditions that are over ones level, the fastest, easiest, safest way is best, no matter the boat. If skill and confidence are not an issue, do the main first.
Learn to put your boat in irons.

- Will (Dragonfly)

agprice22 · Aug 11, 2018

Also, do not forget to use your outhaul and downhaul to flatten and depower the sail. You can also ease your mainsheet to spill wind out the too of the sail.

shemandr · Aug 11, 2018

I understand from the OP and others that Lake Dillon is subject to sudden violent gusts. So I would reef the main before going out and sail with as much of the jib as is comfortable. You will be underpowered a good deal of the time but not hanging on for your life. And the main is easy to release quickly. You may even want to keep the main sheet in your hands. Reefing the jib is usually a two handed procedure so you might have to let go of the tiller during a gust which is a bad idea. Also putting the tiller between your legs can buy you a trip into the drink. Releasing the jib in a gust also may require both hands. I think being ready to dump the main is the best bet.

agprice22 · Aug 11, 2018

First, keep your crib boards in. Wear your pfd. Then... Get her head into the wind ASAP. If you cannot, dump the main. Then release your jib sheets. Drift while you start your motor. Then motor into the wind.
But... where is your shore? All this depends on where the lee shore comes into play. You may need to sail out of the situation. The priorities change.

Will Gilmore · Aug 11, 2018

agprice22 said:
where is your shore? All this depends on where the lee shore comes into play.

Yes! As well as other dangerous obstacles. Your fastest response is the tiller, bring her up. Then it is the main sheet, in terms of speed to do something positive quickly. Letting jib sheet out is great, but most boats have the main sheet closer at hand. This should also help interrupt airflow across the jib and reduce heeling force.
If you are really talking about a microburst, once you get through it, no need to drop your sails. When caught out in storm conditions, sails help stabilize as well as provide propulsion for steerage. Reef your main and furl your jib, but keep steerage.

- Will (Dragonfly)