reef the main

[Pride]

I own a tall 30 1993 Catalina. I want to reef the main. There are places in the main to hook something, but that something I do not have. Can anyone help. I would also like to talk to someone who owns the same boat. Thanks, Pride

 

[Granfalloon]

Cringle Grommet

If you have a hole with a brass/metal ring on the sail - usually in pairs this is a cringle - a reef point; if you have another set it would be your second reef point. They are usually connected to a cringle hook, but you can use line to secure them as you lower the sail. The sail ususlly has short reefing lines to tie off the bunched sail you lowered. The load is taken on the cringles. Lower the sail hook or tie off the cringles, put load on this by trying to raise the sail, then tie off the reefing lines between the cringles - use a square knot.

Try it out on a not so windy day. On winds 15 kts + consider reefing before you leave the dock.

 

[Pride]

Yes, there are two brass rings on the sail. I will try tying them with something at the dock. Are you familiar with a 1993 30 fo0t tall rig? Thanks, Pride

 

[Joe]

resources for you

I took the liberty of providing you a few links that will help you understand reefing and reefing systems a bit more. The last one will take you to the catalina 30 owners association technical section.


http://www.harken.com/rigtips/reefing.php

http://www.pineapplesails.com/articles/reefing.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/2358/f_rigging_tips/f05.html

http://cruisingresources.com/Slab_Reefing

http://www.catalina30.com/TechLib/technical.htm

 

[Glenn]

Reefing the main

I have added blocks to the first main reefing point. Reefing is simple, quick and can be done from the cockpit. Use an "O" ring and a small block rather than running the line through the grommet. The "O" ring is larger than the grommet allowing the shackle to pass through, "O" ring on one side and block on the other. I plan on doing the second reef point in the future.