Reefing tackle and other running rigging questions for 26S (C)

[Bfranchini]

good morning fellow sailors! Yesterday we finally managed to put Egret in the water and enjoyed a wonderful day sailing on lake St. Louis near Montreal. The wind was a little funny ranging from 15 to 24 kts so, being rather new at sailing and needing the practice we decided to try reefing. Needless to say, after a few struggles, the mainsail looked like a halibut wrapped in newspaper by a drunken fishmonger. Hence our decision to build a proper furling rig and, to help it a long, run the main halyard to the port winch so that we can tighten up the luff without. Optionally, I could use the Cunningham if it simplifies things... Any suggestions, ideas? Could you please publish some drawings or pictures? I have found lots of material but with the funny configuration of the poptop I would like to see some MacGregor solutions.
Thanks and happy sailing season

 

[justsomeguy]

 

[BudGates]

When it comes time to reef and/or tighten the luff you'll want a system that is quick and easy. I prefer to tighten the luff with a cunningham rather than using the halyard. With a cunningham it's easy to install a 2:1 or even a 4:1 purchase thus eliminating the need to use the winch. I also use a 4:1 purchase on the reef cringle for the same purpose.

 

[Bfranchini]

Thanks guys for the clear explanation, sorry for the delay but I was off line for a while due to high workload.
I think I will follow Bud's advice and use the Cunningham on the reef cringle instead of routing the sheet to the winch. For the clew I have a small cheek block that I can install instead of using th existing cleats. If I mount it aft of the first cleat it will also act as a pretty good out haul for both reefing lines. Thanks again
Bill

 

[BudGates]

Good luck Bill. Practice a few times in light, or even still, air in the slip or even on the trailer. Then be sure to let us know how it works out.