reefing

[Patrick I.]

Hi Dave,I have a question about reefing. I sail the SF bay and sometimes experience winds in excess of 30 knots. I have a 2001 Catalina 320 and the main only has one reef point. With winds above 30 knots, the boat is still sometimes a little difficult to control. Would the next best step be to lower the main and sail only with the 100% jib or would you keep the main reefed and furl the jib partway or entirely. I'm not sure which would effectively control weather helm and still maintain balance. Thanks for your time and input.

 

[Steve Dion]

Patrick:

Most boats sail better with a balanced sail plan (main and jib). I would not cost a lot of money to take your sail to one of the bay area lofts and let them help you with adding another reef point and the additional hardware if you need it.I am familiar with the winds in the bay and would think that a good deep reef and about 70-80 percent jib would work well. You will probably find that the boat will sail faster and be easier to handle with an arrangement like this versus only a head sail or only the jib.

 

[Jackie]

Reefing on SF Bay

My boyfriend has a Catalina 30 on the bay. Our main has two reef points and we have a 120% roller jib. We usually put the first reef in at about 18 knots, and the second in at about 25, rolling the jib in some to keep the plan balanced. I do not recommend dropping the main unless you are going downwind as dropping the main will give you excessive lee helm. If you are trying to go upwind jib only, you will have less control and it could cause you to broach in a gust.

 

[gary jensen]

S F Bay reefing

Patrick, When sailing the bay you do have a few options. What I would do first is put a foam luff in the jib. You could reef both your sails then and maintain balance. My brother has a 30 and I had a 36 and presently the new 380. The Catalinas will handle the bay winds with those configurations. If you decide to get a blade for your 320 check with Quantum Sails @ Brickyard in Pt Richmond. They have the knowledge of your situation as I have discussed the same situation with them in the past! good luck!!!!

 

[dave abt]

SFbay sailing

Patrick,Steve, Gary & Jackie make excellent points. I would certainly add another reef set and sailing a balanced is almost always preferred.Reducing your main will infact reduce your weather helm, and I am confident you will sail faster and with less heeling moment under this configuration.Reefing your headsail is a also a good choice. Make sure you talk to your sailmaker about the cut of your jib to make sure you won't blow it out when reefing. Also make sure your jib roller furler is designed to handle a reefing scenario. There are several on the market that are not designed for sail reefing, just furling.Have fun....dave