Reef point on sail, what the heck is this?

[Eileen14284]

We have a 2001 Hunter 260 we bought last year. We tried to rig up the reefing system today and our sail doesn't have the cringle on the luff of the sail. I'm attaching a photo of what is there which I'm guessing is some sort of repair that was done to it by a previous owner?? There were at least three previous owners. I think maybe we can use the strap that is there and hook it on the gooseneck to reef but it's not ideal obviously. I don't think we can make it work with the Barton reefing system. Can we put a grommet in the sail ourselves at this point--I'm guessing that's a no, something tells me it's not that simple.
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[rgranger]

There should be something like this near the gooseneck

It slips over that loop.

If you don’t have it search for reefing hook. They are less that $10

 

[caverun]

Yes, that webbing loop is the tack of the main when reefed. You will probably need to remove a few sail slugs from the mast track when reefing. Hopefully your reefing hook is there- on my '98 it is a double hook.

 

[twalker H260]

On our 260 the gooseneck looks like the attached photo. Strap goes over the hook.

 

[Eileen14284]

Okay, thank you all. We do have the gooseneck hooks on the main so I guess we're all good. I just did not expect to see the strap. I think even our manual shows a cringle. Thanks for this info also: "You will probably need to remove a few sail slugs from the mast track when reefing." We will give it a go.

 

[Joe]

This will help. Posted by RussC, April 30, 2016. Flying Cringles Have a sailmaker put it in if you're not a DIY person.
My new mainsail's forward reef grommet came equipped with the connected rings.. HOWEVER.... I do NOT use them as pictured in Russ' article. I only hook one side... so I don't have to remove any slugs.. the strap just reaches over the bundled sail and clips on to the reef hook.

 

[Ward H]

I agree with webbing loop should be fine. If you do want to added a grommet check out this video on how to do so.
https://www.sailrite.com/Installing-a-Sewn-Ring-Eyelet-in-a-Sail-Corner-Video

 

[Eileen14284]

Thank you all.