Reefing system explanation needed for a 30' footer

[Royal Flush]

I just picked up a super clean used sail w/ 2 reefpoints. I've never reefed before but would like to practice this weekend. I have a 2nd out haul on the boom and believe that I run a line through the boom to a bail and then to the desired reef point, When reefing I think I'm supposed to drop the sail to the ring reef point at the new clew by the mast, hook the ring there then draw the line tight that pulls the rearward ring down and out. then I secure the wrap around ties thight to the mast and I'm done....I may have t send a lead of some kind through the 2nd outhaul if it's empty.

-M

 

[Cpt. Jon]

Mac,

Congrats on the new sail! I'm no expert on reefing, so I will leave it up to the experts on here. Can I ask where you got your sail and what you paid? I need to replace mine when I have some money and debating a new vs used one.

***Edit***
Sorry, just read you other post! Congrats on the sail!

 

[Todd Smith]

Sounds like you pretty much have it. Here's a picture
http://www.harken.com/rigtips/MainsailReefing.php

You probably will take the reefing line "you're second outhaul" from the boom end, through the clew ring then tie it around the boom.

Here is more info:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/learning-sail-articles/18863-basics-reefing.html

 

[Stu Jackson]

You have that very well explained except for this: ...I secure the wrap around ties tight to the mast...

Don't tighten them, just tie them loosely. Only the tack and clew are necessary to batten down hard. The sail ties are ONLY there to gather up the loose sail, not to hold the sail down to the boom.

And I think you meant boom, not mast.

 

[Royal Flush]

jiffy reefing technique for 2nd and 3rd reef points

The first site was pushing the kit solution. The second site helped the most. I'm kind of wondering about the second and third reef points now. Are people routinely hot swapping the outhaul line from the 1st reef point to the 2nd & 3rd point. Or are these lines already good to go? I'd like to avoid the clutter. If this is the case, are they using climbing clips as fast attach points?

-Mac

 

[PKFK]

Before lowering the halyard to reef (assuming you are starting with the sail all the way up):

- tighten up the topping lift.....in fact, if you happen to pull the boom UP a bit past normal it won't hurt.

- make sure the vang is not preventing the step above !!

Now when you go to tension the new outhaul for the reef, you will have MUCH less cranking to do - in fact on my 30-footer, I can do it by hand 95% of the way, and just winch the last little bit using this method.

- after the reefing lines are tightened, ease the topping lift and you are done !!

If you don't pull up the boom with the topping lift, when you go to tension the outhaul, you have the friction of the reefing line + weight of the boom + effort to snug the sail down = lots of unnecessary work !!

Paul

 

[Todd Smith]

The first site was pushing the kit solution. The second site helped the most. I'm kind of wondering about the second and third reef points now. Are people routinely hot swapping the outhaul line from the 1st reef point to the 2nd & 3rd point. Or are these lines already good to go? I'd like to avoid the clutter. If this is the case, are they using climbing clips as fast attach points?

-Mac

That site was just for the picture, do a google image search on "slab reefing mainsail" you will see many more.

No, people don't use the same reefing line for multiple reef points. Each reef should have it's own line. Most people have 1 or 2 reefs for coastal cruising. If you need to put in the 2nd reef, then conditions are bad enough that you don't want to be re-doing the line.

 

[Royal Flush]

Topping Lift?

Before lowering the halyard to reef (assuming you are starting with the sail all the way up):

- tighten up the topping lift.....in fact, if you happen to pull the boom UP a bit past normal it won't hurt.

- make sure the vang is not preventing the step above !!

Now when you go to tension the new outhaul for the reef, you will have MUCH less cranking to do - in fact on my 30-footer, I can do it by hand 95% of the way, and just winch the last little bit using this method.

- after the reefing lines are tightened, ease the topping lift and you are done !!

If you don't pull up the boom with the topping lift, when you go to tension the outhaul, you have the friction of the reefing line + weight of the boom + effort to snug the sail down = lots of unnecessary work !!

Paul

What is the Topping lift used for

 

[PKFK]

Re: Topping Lift?

The Topping Lift is a line that runs from the outboard end of the boom to the masthead. It's purpose is to prevent the boom from falling into the cockpit when you lower the mainsail.

Some boats have a rigid vang (boomkicker) that does this function.

Without it, there is nothing keeping the boom horizontal once you lower the sail.

Paul