Second Reef

[Bob James]

This year I moved up to a Catalina 310 from the Catalina 22 that I sailed mostly in inland lakes but also in Northern Lake Michigan for the past 12 years. I had a 2nd reef point in the 22 and used it several times with good results - read sailing upright in 20 . I did not think that I would need a 2nd reef for the 310, but after this past weekend on Lake Erie, I am rethinking the benefits. The 310 is already set up for a 2nd reef line and has all the boom hardware plus a cabin top clutch. Why the sail did not have the points installed is a mystery. My boat has a 150 as the head sail. Question: What has been your experience with reefing and the need for a 2nd reef? What order do you usually reef - main, genoa, 2nd main or?Thanks for the help. Good sailing!

 

[Bob Braddy]

@nd Reef

Bob,I too have a 310; as a matter of fact, I have Hull #6. These are wonderful boats and good sailors, but they are somewhat overpowered. I added the second reef and use it frequently, and I only have the 135% jib. I am not a conservative sailor, rather prudent.We frequently get winds into the twenties here in San Pedro and Southern California. I find that the boat heels excessively at about 18-20 knots apparent. Excessively would be described as something around 30 -35 degrees AND at the point where the boat labors and loses speed. I throw in a reef. When it happens again, i throw in another. The boat will level up and will pick up speed. I try to leave the jib out as long as possible because I believe that is where the real power is in a Catalina boat. Only when thiongs are no longer working with the reefed main do I start to bring in the jib. You have a 150 jib, so this would be aconcern somewhat earlier. (This is contrary to what many do in So. Cal.) So, by all means, put that second reef in. It's a pain with the Dutchman, but that is a different subject. If I remember correctly, you'll need about 85' of 5/16" line. All the rest of the gear is there including a messenger line down the boom.Good luck,Bob Braddy