You're sailing under a full main and genoa with a brisk wind and having a great time. Then you get hit with a gust that heels the boat quite a bit and creates some weather helm. Then you get hit again. Maybe you get some complaints from the crew. Is it time to drop the traveller or ease the mainsheet... or is it time to shorten sail? How do you decide when it's time to reef? Do you have a set apparent windspeed? Is weather helm your key criteria, or maybe a fixed degree of heel? Or is it just your overall discomfort with conditions given the amount of sail you have up? Share your thoughts on reefing and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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If the thought crosses my mind, I do it
Even if just for a fleeting instant. It's all about the perception of comfort. That's what I was taught and it has served me well over the years. It also means I reef a little earlier when daysailing with guests and a little later when racing. Peter H23 "Raven"
Even if just for a fleeting instant. It's all about the perception of comfort. That's what I was taught and it has served me well over the years. It also means I reef a little earlier when daysailing with guests and a little later when racing. Peter H23 "Raven"
Dousing the Dacron
Not to diminish how important it is that my crew (mainly comprised of my significant other) feels comfortable with the degree of heel that we are sailing with, but in general, I tend to react more quickly to correcting the amount of weather helm I experience. As we carry a 130 up front, the genoa gets reefed first. If the winds build to 20 knots or above, we put a reef in the main. We have not had to use that second set of reef points yet. Quite frankly, I don't know if she (my S/O) can even deal with the kind of conditions we will be in when that happens. Shelton
Not to diminish how important it is that my crew (mainly comprised of my significant other) feels comfortable with the degree of heel that we are sailing with, but in general, I tend to react more quickly to correcting the amount of weather helm I experience. As we carry a 130 up front, the genoa gets reefed first. If the winds build to 20 knots or above, we put a reef in the main. We have not had to use that second set of reef points yet. Quite frankly, I don't know if she (my S/O) can even deal with the kind of conditions we will be in when that happens. Shelton
When white caps appear
I have a C22 swing keel, with a 150% roller furling genoa, which I sail single handed the majority of the time. I usually reef the genoa down first to about 110%. When there are steady white caps on the lake, I will heave to and reef the main. I sail at a more steady speed and don't have to put up with the discomfort of hard heeling and turning up into the wind and stalling. I think that overall, I actually sail better reefed than fighting too much sail. After all, isn't it supposed to be all about having fun and enjoying yourself?
I have a C22 swing keel, with a 150% roller furling genoa, which I sail single handed the majority of the time. I usually reef the genoa down first to about 110%. When there are steady white caps on the lake, I will heave to and reef the main. I sail at a more steady speed and don't have to put up with the discomfort of hard heeling and turning up into the wind and stalling. I think that overall, I actually sail better reefed than fighting too much sail. After all, isn't it supposed to be all about having fun and enjoying yourself?
Interesting thread on Travel Talk Online
On the "Charter boat reviews and questions" forum on Traveltalkonline.com there is a very interesting thread on reefing called "Reefing the main... go fast tip..." You'll find it at http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=268357&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1 (or click the link below) The general gist of the thread is that you actually go faster by reefing earlier and keeping the boat flatter. They also say that reefing the main first is better. I'm anxious to get out in some brisk winds and do some experimenting. If you have trouble with the URL, just go to traveltalkonline.com and use their search for Reefing the main... go fast tip...
On the "Charter boat reviews and questions" forum on Traveltalkonline.com there is a very interesting thread on reefing called "Reefing the main... go fast tip..." You'll find it at http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=268357&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1 (or click the link below) The general gist of the thread is that you actually go faster by reefing earlier and keeping the boat flatter. They also say that reefing the main first is better. I'm anxious to get out in some brisk winds and do some experimenting. If you have trouble with the URL, just go to traveltalkonline.com and use their search for Reefing the main... go fast tip...
When that little voice says...
When the first little voice says, "gee, I wonder if it is time to reef..." Then it probably is indeed time. Took me years to believe it, but you do indeed go faster if you reef than if you keep rounding up from excessive weather helm & too much sail. Besides, you are less likely to spill your beverage-
When the first little voice says, "gee, I wonder if it is time to reef..." Then it probably is indeed time. Took me years to believe it, but you do indeed go faster if you reef than if you keep rounding up from excessive weather helm & too much sail. Besides, you are less likely to spill your beverage-
Reefing
We regularly sail in 10 plus knots of wind. we are sailing a 35.5 with a 130 Genoa and full battened main. I spill wind out of the mail when the wind gusts from 15 to 20. If I am feeling overpowered, and the weather helm is picking up, I reef. I single reef at wind speeds of 20 plus, and double reef at 25 plus. Current also plays a large part in my decision. If the current is running on the stern quarter, I reef earlier to ease weather helm. I like to set my wheel as near midship as I can. I have found that trimmed out it is easier to run and the speed is very close to going all out and heeling.
We regularly sail in 10 plus knots of wind. we are sailing a 35.5 with a 130 Genoa and full battened main. I spill wind out of the mail when the wind gusts from 15 to 20. If I am feeling overpowered, and the weather helm is picking up, I reef. I single reef at wind speeds of 20 plus, and double reef at 25 plus. Current also plays a large part in my decision. If the current is running on the stern quarter, I reef earlier to ease weather helm. I like to set my wheel as near midship as I can. I have found that trimmed out it is easier to run and the speed is very close to going all out and heeling.
reef 'n release
i ran into the situation just a couple of weeks ago when we left shamrock cove to go back to corpus in 6-8 knot winds with still waters and then the squalls came in (gusts to 25-30mph). as soon as the first gust hit, i reefed the main, released the traveler to reduce the hp, and i changed out the genoa with a standard jib, and brought her in, wet but safe. 'tis better sooner than later, lest it get worse in the meantime...
i ran into the situation just a couple of weeks ago when we left shamrock cove to go back to corpus in 6-8 knot winds with still waters and then the squalls came in (gusts to 25-30mph). as soon as the first gust hit, i reefed the main, released the traveler to reduce the hp, and i changed out the genoa with a standard jib, and brought her in, wet but safe. 'tis better sooner than later, lest it get worse in the meantime...
Reef Ahead
In my own sailing experiences, I feel that the minute the idea of "shorten sail" enters my mind..it is time to shorten sail. This premise has been repeated in offshore sailing classes I have taken as well as in all the articles i have read on the topic.
In my own sailing experiences, I feel that the minute the idea of "shorten sail" enters my mind..it is time to shorten sail. This premise has been repeated in offshore sailing classes I have taken as well as in all the articles i have read on the topic.
Reefing Decision
I guess it depends on whether I'm daysailing or making a passage. If I'm daysailing, I'll usually not reef and just play the traveller and sheets. If I'm making a passage, I will usually reef the genny to a 110 or so, then tuck a reef in the main. Usually 20 knots is the edge. If it's just gusty, I use the traveller. If it appears to be more consistent, I reef the main. In one recent passage, the wind was steady 22, gusting to 26. I took a second reef in the main to make it more comfortable for the crew and we continued to make nearly the same speed without the drama. Rick D.
I guess it depends on whether I'm daysailing or making a passage. If I'm daysailing, I'll usually not reef and just play the traveller and sheets. If I'm making a passage, I will usually reef the genny to a 110 or so, then tuck a reef in the main. Usually 20 knots is the edge. If it's just gusty, I use the traveller. If it appears to be more consistent, I reef the main. In one recent passage, the wind was steady 22, gusting to 26. I took a second reef in the main to make it more comfortable for the crew and we continued to make nearly the same speed without the drama. Rick D.
Always!
When I was a kid we would set out to purposefully capsize our little dingy. We called it our Pirate game. Now I think I would rather play Pirate in a dry cabin. I have read old sailors writings on this topic. They're always saying the same thing. If you think its time it already was time. Admiral Nimitz always admonished captains for not being ready in advance on safety issues. Every time I am sailing in moderate winds and they start picking up they continue strengthening. If they don't its nothing to un reef but that has never been the case. My Com-Pac 19II sails great on a reefed main and a 50% furled genoa. Hull speed is 5.4 knots. I have hit hull speed reefed with little heeling. Heeling is fun when you're young, but I would prefer top speed with a well trimmed boat for thrills now.
When I was a kid we would set out to purposefully capsize our little dingy. We called it our Pirate game. Now I think I would rather play Pirate in a dry cabin. I have read old sailors writings on this topic. They're always saying the same thing. If you think its time it already was time. Admiral Nimitz always admonished captains for not being ready in advance on safety issues. Every time I am sailing in moderate winds and they start picking up they continue strengthening. If they don't its nothing to un reef but that has never been the case. My Com-Pac 19II sails great on a reefed main and a 50% furled genoa. Hull speed is 5.4 knots. I have hit hull speed reefed with little heeling. Heeling is fun when you're young, but I would prefer top speed with a well trimmed boat for thrills now.
Combination of factors
I reef when the true wind speed consistently exceeds 20 knots. The second reef would be at 30 knot. However, I reef earlier when I am single handing or short handing and my crew may not be up to reefing in heavy weather. Otherwise, I adjust the traveler to compensate for uncomfortable heel or for apparent strain on the rigging and sails.
I reef when the true wind speed consistently exceeds 20 knots. The second reef would be at 30 knot. However, I reef earlier when I am single handing or short handing and my crew may not be up to reefing in heavy weather. Otherwise, I adjust the traveler to compensate for uncomfortable heel or for apparent strain on the rigging and sails.
Reef
I concur with several earlier posts...when the thought first pops into my head about the possibility of reefing, it's time do it now.
I concur with several earlier posts...when the thought first pops into my head about the possibility of reefing, it's time do it now.
Before leaving the Dock
If it's really blowing, I reef at the slip. It is easier for me to shake it out single handling than add it later.
If it's really blowing, I reef at the slip. It is easier for me to shake it out single handling than add it later.
I reef at the mooring, as well...
...for a couple of reasons. When I race, I really can't reef quickly without starting the engine (Nonsuch 30). I have no headsail to steady the boat and it takes approximately 10 minutes to reef while under way. The main thing is, if conditions are iffy, it's much easier to shake out a reef than put one in, so I reef before dropping the mooring. Cheers, Bob
...for a couple of reasons. When I race, I really can't reef quickly without starting the engine (Nonsuch 30). I have no headsail to steady the boat and it takes approximately 10 minutes to reef while under way. The main thing is, if conditions are iffy, it's much easier to shake out a reef than put one in, so I reef before dropping the mooring. Cheers, Bob
Reefing fractional rigs
I agree, the time to reef is when you first think about it. That said, I usually drop the traveler a little bit first. It's time to reef when things start reaching 20kts. I am re-learning a few things this season. I'm coming out of a H 28.5 and into my new (to me)H 33.5 about half way through the season. The H33.5 is a fractional rig with a very large main (masthead is 54' above the waterline). It gives me a bit more weather helm than I'm used to. Because of that, I've started to reef the main first. That balances things out alot. If I need more, my 150 has a foam luff and keeps it's shape beautifully all the way down to a 130. Quantum sails sews in reference marks on the foot at 140 & 130 so you know exactly where you are. I'm really impressed with the foam luff, I've never had that before. Tom Orion's Child Chesapeake
I agree, the time to reef is when you first think about it. That said, I usually drop the traveler a little bit first. It's time to reef when things start reaching 20kts. I am re-learning a few things this season. I'm coming out of a H 28.5 and into my new (to me)H 33.5 about half way through the season. The H33.5 is a fractional rig with a very large main (masthead is 54' above the waterline). It gives me a bit more weather helm than I'm used to. Because of that, I've started to reef the main first. That balances things out alot. If I need more, my 150 has a foam luff and keeps it's shape beautifully all the way down to a 130. Quantum sails sews in reference marks on the foot at 140 & 130 so you know exactly where you are. I'm really impressed with the foam luff, I've never had that before. Tom Orion's Child Chesapeake
when to reef
You should reef when racing when the helmsman and the mainsheet trimmer cannot control the heel of the boat. Rounding up or sailing with excessive heel makes the boat goes slower. When day sailing or cruising the considerations should be safety first and then comfort. As mentioned it is always easier to reef at the dock than when underway. However all crews should know how to reef.
You should reef when racing when the helmsman and the mainsheet trimmer cannot control the heel of the boat. Rounding up or sailing with excessive heel makes the boat goes slower. When day sailing or cruising the considerations should be safety first and then comfort. As mentioned it is always easier to reef at the dock than when underway. However all crews should know how to reef.
Throw the complainers overboard!
Reef early always.... Gusts, ease the main and hold on. Then from below as my wife slides from the high to the low side - If you don't reef I'm going to take the wheel away from you!!! Jim S/V Java
Reef early always.... Gusts, ease the main and hold on. Then from below as my wife slides from the high to the low side - If you don't reef I'm going to take the wheel away from you!!! Jim S/V Java
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