consider the alternatives first
06-23-00 ODO, The first rule: I reef at the dock if possible. This is the place to evaluate the conditions: seas, wind, crew, experience. Rule 2: if in doubt put in the reef. Easier to shack out than put in once under way. Rule 3: Practice heaving to and shortening sail at least once a month, SINGLEHANDED and with your crews. Murphy's law: when you have to do it, it's to late. So when do I do it, on the water, when the boat is so over powered (lost reliable helm usually when heel exceeds 30 degrees) such that the main has lost drive, and draft has moved well aft, even after I have tweaked out the cunningham, outhaul, boom vang, main sheet, and traveler. I sail under a fixed backstay. I usually select headsails prior to leaving the dock based on the expected wind range. I have furling so dousing the foresail is not a major issue. If conditions warrant I sail by main only, reefed. I don't like the foredeck in extra heavy weather, but will change foresails in a race up to 20 knots if seas under 4ft. Reefing is the elective of the skipper (owner) on the boat. He has to use good judgement based on the info he observes, how the boat feels and handles, what the crew and helmsman say, and the relative comfort/stress of excursion. IE: refer to rule one. DRB bullwinkle
