We seldom have cause to reef our main and it has been literally years since I have done so. However, yesterday, a situation arose wherein reefing was the sensible thing to do. The mast slot stopper that is placed just above the slug entry gap prevented the cringle from reaching the gooseneck hook. The only way around this problem was to move the stopper down out of the way thereby allowing enough slugs to leave the mast to a level where the cringle could be hooked on. Based upon the wind conditions, we had decided to put in the reef as we hoisted the main rather than to do so under less desireable conditions out on the lake. But it got me to thinking about having to manage something as delicate as moving the stopper when attempting to reef in high winds and rough seas. The stopper is essential to preventing the main from falling out of the mast every time you drop it. I can see no solution other than to make moving the stopper Step 1 in reefing the main and then remember to move it back once you take out the reef. Comments?
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H_31 83-87 Mainsail reefing...
Doug my 1987 Model does not have a "mast slot stopper that is placed just above the slug entry gap". Therefore getting the cringle down to the goose neck is not a problem. On my boat the "slug entry gap" does have a "cover" (very poorly designed), when it is properly screwed in place, the slugs will go all the way down to the boom (goose neck). Can you remove the "mast slot stopper" and fashion a "slug entry gap" cover, which would allow the slugs to slide all the way down. Have not had problems reefing, except when I wait too long and the wind is already do strong that I have to fight with the sail. bill
Doug my 1987 Model does not have a "mast slot stopper that is placed just above the slug entry gap". Therefore getting the cringle down to the goose neck is not a problem. On my boat the "slug entry gap" does have a "cover" (very poorly designed), when it is properly screwed in place, the slugs will go all the way down to the boom (goose neck). Can you remove the "mast slot stopper" and fashion a "slug entry gap" cover, which would allow the slugs to slide all the way down. Have not had problems reefing, except when I wait too long and the wind is already do strong that I have to fight with the sail. bill
Reefing
Doug, I sail in an area where we reef often and early! On my sail, the sailmaker (Hood) uses a strop about 4-6" long with a ring on either end. This is sewn through the cringle and is free to slide either to port or starboard. When I reef, I pull the ring from the strop over the ram's horn on whichever side is more convenient. The system works well and makes it easy to reef (especially singlehanded). You should talk to your sailmaker. I'm sure it's a standard and easy modification that can be added right at the boat. - Richard S/V Discovery
Doug, I sail in an area where we reef often and early! On my sail, the sailmaker (Hood) uses a strop about 4-6" long with a ring on either end. This is sewn through the cringle and is free to slide either to port or starboard. When I reef, I pull the ring from the strop over the ram's horn on whichever side is more convenient. The system works well and makes it easy to reef (especially singlehanded). You should talk to your sailmaker. I'm sure it's a standard and easy modification that can be added right at the boat. - Richard S/V Discovery
Doug - can you adjust the stopper
Doug, as bill said, you sometimes have a gate that has a thumb screw in it which keeps the slugs from falling out. They usually have a slot so that you can adjust how much of the gate covers the mast track. I always left mine so that the slugs could pass by without jumping out of the track. This allowed teh slugs to go lower than teh gate thus enabling you to secure the reef.
Doug, as bill said, you sometimes have a gate that has a thumb screw in it which keeps the slugs from falling out. They usually have a slot so that you can adjust how much of the gate covers the mast track. I always left mine so that the slugs could pass by without jumping out of the track. This allowed teh slugs to go lower than teh gate thus enabling you to secure the reef.
What you're looking for is:::
what my sailmaker, Rick with Quantum in Toms River, NJ referred to as a "jack line". The sail slugs just above the tack are not attached directly to the sail but are attached to a small line which runs up the luff about 4 slugs worth. It is run through several grommets on the way up. There are two grommets at each point where a slug would otherwise be attached. This allows the sail to push aside as you tighten the reefing line, (or pull it by hand, if you're into that ancient method) thus allowing the reef cringle to come down to the horn. When the sail is hauled up the jack line pulls taut, holding the sail to the mast. The original JSI sail on my 1983 hunter 33 was done this way and I had Quantum do it the same way on the new sail. I suppose I could get pictures.
what my sailmaker, Rick with Quantum in Toms River, NJ referred to as a "jack line". The sail slugs just above the tack are not attached directly to the sail but are attached to a small line which runs up the luff about 4 slugs worth. It is run through several grommets on the way up. There are two grommets at each point where a slug would otherwise be attached. This allows the sail to push aside as you tighten the reefing line, (or pull it by hand, if you're into that ancient method) thus allowing the reef cringle to come down to the horn. When the sail is hauled up the jack line pulls taut, holding the sail to the mast. The original JSI sail on my 1983 hunter 33 was done this way and I had Quantum do it the same way on the new sail. I suppose I could get pictures.
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