Third Reef Point

[Gary Wyngarden]

Hi Bill and Tim,Welcome to the site again and thanks for all your excellent responses to our questions. I am in the process of buying a Hunter 37.5 (increasing in size from a 33.5) which has a significantly larger main than I am used to. Intended use of the boat will include cruises on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and up the Inside Passage to Alaska. However, we don't intend to cross any oceans so hopefully at any point a safe anchorage will be no more than a few hours away.I'm thinking about adding a third reef point to the main (which has a dutchman flaking system and battcars) as a sail configuration option if we get caught out in 30 plus knots of wind unexpectedly. You don't see boats with third reef points too often, and I'm not sure why. The other option would be a separate track and a storm trysail, but my thought is the third reef point would be easier to configure in high winds for a short (two-to-four hour)period without being out on the foredeck.Any comments and advice will be appreciated.Gary Wyngarden

 

[Bill Colombo]

How Many Reefs?

Gary, The basic guidelines I use are 1 reef for inshore sailing, 2 reefs for coastal cruising and 3 reefs for blue water sailing. Every boat is different but in general the first reef goes in at about 20, second reef at 30, third reef at 40, storm trysail at 50+kts. Alternately, it is possible to install 2 deep reefs that shorten the sail in 2 larger increments.Thanks, Bill ColomboDoyle Sailmakers

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Thanks, Bill

As you say every boat is different, and I'll be anxious to see how the new H37.5 sails. With my Hunter 33.5 I need the second reef at 22-25 for sure. The only time I got caught out in 35 knot winds, I was doing hull speed with no main and a partially furled working jib. Would be interested to hear the experiences of other Hunter owners.Thanks again for the input.Gary Wyngarden

 

[David Foster]

First and Third

I have two reefs on my Doyle main. This recommendation was that the second reef is at the third reef point (if you see what you mean.) So that is what we have.DavidLady Lillie