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usefulness of 2nd reef ?

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blanik
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Canada
210 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/22/2012 : 17:59:38

i'll probably get a new main next year but it seems all C25 mains come with only one reef, i'm wondering about the usefulness of a 2nd one, if it was necessary on this design Catalina would have made them stock, and sometimes i even think the Standard Rig is equivalent of a permanent reef taken...

aside from what literature says about reefs has anyone here actually use a 2nd reef or do most people just drop the main if the 1st reef is too much?

1984 C25 FK/SR #4593
Lake Champlain

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2012 : 18:47:47

A second reef is like a storm jib - you don't need one very often, but when you need one, you really need it.

IMO, the need for one depends largely on where you sail. If you sail on a small inland lake, you probably won't need one, because you can lower all sails and return to your nearby slip, or drop your anchor if a serious storm passes through. If you sail on a Great Lake or Bay or cruise a coast, you might occasionally need one if you get caught offshore and away from shelter. In choppy seas, your outboard engine might cavitate so much that it won't be much help. in that case, your only recourse might be to sail. Lying ahull in a small boat in very steep, choppy seas could be dangerous, and if you are unable to keep the boat moving and in control with the engine, then the sails might be the only recourse.

I sail my present boat on the Chesapeake Bay and have only used the second reef once. If I sailed my C25 here, there's no question I would have a second reef. I don't remember exactly how much the second reef cost when I replaced my mainsail about 4 years ago, but it wasn't a huge additional cost.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2012 : 19:06:00

I agree with Steve. We've used our second reef twice in 13 years, but sure glad to have had it. It's like reefing: IF YOU EVEN think of it... :)

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2012 : 19:17:38

How treacherous is Lake Champlain? I sail on Lake Erie and in my 17 years on the water, I've never used the second reef.

Edited by - on

awetmore
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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2012 : 19:39:33

I'll probably have a second reef added to my main, and wish that I had when I first ordered the sail. However I have a tall rig, where the first reef brings down the sail size to be only a little smaller than a standard rig main.

Changing headsails makes a big difference too though (if not bigger). If you normally run a large genoa and don't have a smaller jib or two then I would prioritize getting additional headsails over getting a second reef. A smaller headsail not only reduces heel, but it also balances out the tiller.

Edited by - on

blanik
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Canada
210 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2012 : 19:43:38

thanks for all your inputs! very insightful!

i also thought of the 2nd reef as a storm sail but with most literature and first hand accounts of really bad weather (at sea or otherwise) most people would advise to lower the main all together and use only a storm jib to pull the CG further fore and make the boat easier to pull through...

your thought on this?

Edited by - on

cshaw
Captain

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USA
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 01:02:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by blanik
 thanks for all your inputs! very insightful!

i also thought of the 2nd reef as a storm sail but with most literature and first hand accounts of really bad weather (at sea or otherwise) most people would advise to lower the main all together and use only a storm jib to pull the CG further fore and make the boat easier to pull through...

your thought on this?

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I have a tall rig, and when I made my mainsail I put 3 reefs in it, with all three reefing points the same size. My 1st reef shortens the main to be the same size as a standard rig. I have been caught out in bad enough weather to have needed to use that 3rd reef only a couple of times in many many years, but I was sure glad I had it!

I also have a set of reefing points in my 110, 130, and 140.

I agree with the notion that dropping the main and sailing under jib alone is a good approach for most situations. Its simple and the boat handles well under jib alone.

The problem with all those reefing options is what is the best combination to use, and that depends on the conditions you are in and which direction you need to go. If I have to go upwind to get to shelter or home, my boat sails a LOT better upwind with a reefed main up. If its a reach or run, I use the jib only and drop the main.

Shortening sail tooo much really kills power (which is the idea if you are being overpowered!!) but over doing can result in not being able to deal with waves very well, especially if you have to go upwind into them! This is obviously more of a concern when out in open water offshore.

And I generally try not to depend on using my outboard motor in bad conditions for two reasons: rough sea conditions will cause it to cavitate most of the time and not push the boat very well (and the noise is really annoying after a while!!), and Murphy's Law says if I MUST use it, thats when it will fail!! So I try to sail rather than power when I can, and save the motor for coming into the marina in flat water.

Like most things with sailboats however, all of us have different approaches that most of the time all get the job done best for each of us!

Good to kick questions like yours around however!!! We never stop learning that way!!!

Cheers!

Chuck

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 03:42:28

I never used the second reef and when I had new sails made up by Quantum, they designed it based on my input to have only one reef which was somewhat greater than the normal 1st reef on my existing tall rig main sail. Past sailboat experiences on an ODay 23 I had many years ago was that the one time I did use the 2nd reef point, the wave action was so great and the main sail area so small, that I had very little firward motion to make a tack against the wave action. On the Catalina 25, I believe it is easier to do that using the 2nd reef points...maybe the one time I tried it out.

Though, usually when there is significant winds, I reef before I go sailing or I do not go sailing. Those times when I have been out and the wind changed suddenly, I have been caught and not able to reef. I could barely control the sail/sheets and maintai9n forward direction. Case in point was last Monday. There was only about 5-10mph breeze. Weather forecast was for 5-10 mph breeze with 20% chance of showers/thundershowers. As I headed out, I noticed one small dark cloud and it seem to be following me in the direction I was sailing...kind of gave me addl wind up to 10mph...no big deal. I had my full main out and then having the head sail half furled, I let it out all the way - 150%. Sailing was fine but I was heading sort of into a shallower area where I have to stay in a sort of valley in the river but I noticed that while the small dark cloud was still off my shoulder, it was no longer sunny outside. A sort of overcaset/slightly dark mass (can't even call it a cloud - but covered 25% of the sky) had moved in. I thought it prudent to turn around, get into deeper water and start heading back. It was late in the afternoon after work and I was only going out for a couple of hours anyway and so started to head back....then the wind picked up suddenly to about 50 mph and rain was horizontal. There was no way I could pull in the furling rig and no way I could even consider reefing the main. I had a balancing act between trying to maintain some forward speed and keeping the sails from not flapping too greatly as they spilled out the bulk of the wind and also that I was able to keep the boat from grossly tipping going over to leeward. I was making only 1-2 mph forward speed but drifting 1-2 mph to land, shallows and from running aground. I had to tack but no forward speed was possible - too much wind to fill the sails and not go over. So, I took a chance that my stays would hold and jibed. The main whipped over but held together. Then as I started to get into deeper water, I was able to somehow control the sails (barely) and get my outboard down and then started. I had to ease off the main sheet because the boat was still leaning over too much to one side and though I thought it never possible since my outboard sits fairly low in the water, it was sometimes pulling in air thru the intake. After easing the sheets even more with sails flapping like crazy, I then was able to rev the outboard and head into the wind. Even though there was considerable tension on the furling rig line, I was able, though, really struggling, to furl the Genoa. The Genoa sheets were completely tangled up forward but I got the sail completely furled. Once that was done, then I could say I was fully in control even though the full main was still flapping like crazy. After 15-20 minutes, the sun was back out and wind reduced to 5 mph as I was almost back to the marina. I was a wreck. I broke a sail slug and I had some zip ties on my stancheons which is another story altogether but with the sheets flapping so vigorously, they slapped against the stancheons and snapped 4 of the zip ties. Other than that, which I easily repaired once dockside, I checked out the sails and the sails were fine - No rips or damage I could discern. I left the Genoa unfurled awhile, letting it dry and then was able to straighten out the Genoa sheets and refurl the Genoa dockside. Although I was wearing gloves (the ones with half fingers), the sheets ripped off the skin on both index fingers and now even a week later, my fingers are still in bad shape. Over the weekend, I bought a new pair of gloves that only leave the finger tips exposed.

So.....I do not go purposely out sailing in 50mph winds but even when that happens and full main is up, you can survive. Yes, if I was able to reef, things would have been much, much better and in this storm, a second reef would have helped. But who goes sailing in 50mph winds and when it happens, it oftentimes catches you by surprise and you may not be able to reef unless perhaps you have others onboard (experienced) to assist. So it is extremely rare that someone will actually use the second reef points on a main sail but no harm in having them. It may serve at sometime, a benefit. But if you have a choice and really do not see a need for them, you will be okay without them.

Edited by - OLarryR on 07/23/2012 03:53:00

JeanAndre
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USA
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 08:20:45

I take a lot of non sailor friends out on my boat and most of the time they bring their kids along. The second reef proved useful a few times when the kids wanted to drag behind the boat for some body skiing, also when the wind picks up just a little and they get uncomfortable, I use that second reef to sail with the boat upright even when close hauled. I know this takes the speed and the fun of it, but kids and parents feel safe and keep asking to come along again...
I would rather have a second reef and never ever use it then to need it just once and not have it!
Cheers

Edited by - on

cshaw
Captain

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USA
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 08:44:54

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 
Though, usually when there is significant winds, I reef before I go sailing or I do not go sailing. Those times when I have been out and the wind changed suddenly, I have been caught and not able to reef.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes, reefing first or reefing early is always the best and safest approach!

If you find you are caught out in a blow and want to keep a reefed main up (like to make better progress upwind, etc.), or even to furl the main with the boat sitting calm and not heeled way over, have you tried simply heaving-to in order to tuck in a reef (or 2) or furl the main?

We heave-to to go swimming, or have lunch, or reef, or in between races, etc. All my crew know how to heave the boat to in case I fall off (assuming they want me to make it back to the boat!)!!! Simply come about, but do not uncleat the jib, so it backwinds against the mast and rigging, and totally luff the mainsheet. Tie the tiller hard down after the jib is backed. The boat will try to come back about against the backed jib, but she does not have enough steerage way, so she simply oscillates a little, and very slowly creeps forward.

The main is in the lee of the jib, and is quite easy and docile to reef, and the boat is nice and steady. Unfortunately this will not help if you are having problems trying to furl your jib, but I have sat while a strong winded T-storm passed over with the 150 backed like that and us hunkered down in the cabin trying to get away from the lightning.

Chuck

Edited by - on

calden
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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 09:00:25

Last summer I sailed on our very large inland mountain lake in 25-35 mph winds, gusts up to 40, with a storm jib and a single reef. It felt very controllable and I was nowhere near the edge of wanting a second reef. If it had been blowier than that I would have just gone back in!

This is on a regular, not tall mas,t C25. I was surprised at how well it sailed. Lots of breaking waves on the bow got the guests good and wet (they loved it) but there was no problem with control or tacking.

Edited by - calden on 07/23/2012 09:47:40

JohnP
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 10:13:55

So, you have got a lot of good advice from a bunch of old salts!

Just like Carlos above I have often used my single reef and 60% storm jib in 15-25 knots and the boat rides very smoothly.

If you go overnight and far away from your marina, out on Lake Champlain, I would only add one other option. In the worst case scenario, when sailing through a thunderstorm's wild downburst, you must be able to quickly put away the sails, anchor the boat, and batten down the hatches instead of attempting to keep going.

Inland sailing is so much safer than offshore sailing, for this reason.

I don't need a second reef.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 10:36:36

John captured pretty much what I was trying to say but took me a page and half to say it. The one reef will serve you for just about any sailing condition. If one had to go to a 2nd reef, then probably should not be sailing and not go out or if out, then motor back.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 11:55:25

When and how much to reef depends on a lot things such as crew comfort, sailing experience, boat characteristics, and sailing venue to name a few. Yesterday I was out for a few hours in winds in the upper teens gusting to low 20's and, as with most of the boats out on the water at that time, I was carrying a full main and my 135, but there were a few boats though that were sailing on deeply reefed mains with no head sail.

In my sailing venue, if winds were such that I required a second reef, the wind would actually be the least of my problems.

Edited by - dlucier on 07/23/2012 12:04:16

Tim M
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Response Posted - 07/23/2012 : 13:45:57

Larry, thanks for sharing your experience. It is always extremely valuable to hear how others handle similar extreme situations on similarily equipped boats of the same size and vintage. I too have been caught with everything flying in a sudden un-forecast blow and found that a jibe was the only way to change direction and start to get things under control. Sometimes heaving to is not possible because of a need to make way in a different direction in a hurry. From my experience on these boats if you need to make way into the wind, you need some mainsail up to give you the ability to point closer to the wind's direction to make any headway. Even in a strong wind the single reef on the standard rig - at least on the sail that came on my boat - gives you a small enough sail to handle anything you would encounter prior to dragging anchors under bare poles. Also I might add that when I go sailing with my wife or guests and if the forecast even hints that it is going to blow harder than 15kph, I put the reef in before we leave the dock and maybe leave it in. No one else notices any loss of speed. Of course the luxury of a 135 on a furler - which gives you enough power to get to hull speed in a light wind on a reach even with a reef in the main and can be winched in to storm sail size while flogging in a sudden blow - probably is a big reason a single reefed main works so well for the cruising sailor on these boats. All that being said, if money is no object, an extra set of reef points sure won't hurt anything.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 07/24/2012 : 04:40:31

Tim - Yes ! same thinking.

Also, the previous posts regarding heaving to....let me tell you with the wind I experienced a week ago Monday, there was no way I could set the sails. I was in survival mode and on the river drifitng rapidly to one side, I had to take action or I would have ran aground. If I were in open waters a drogue would have helped but only if I would have been able to take down the sails and there was no way that was happening. If I was not caught with y 150% Genoa fully unfurled, well then I may have had addl options but to say I was in control when the wind hit, that would be an exaggeration. I could not pull the sheets in and furling the Genoa was a lost cause until I started the outbaord and headed into the wind. As it was, when I jibed, my Genoa sheets got crossed since the Genoa could not be pulled over. The Genoa crossed over in front of the bow. I was therefore extremely lucky I was then able to furl the Genoa once I was heading into the wind.

Sure, having a second set of reef holes is fine. There is no real negative having them. It is just that it is rare that my experience has been that if I were to go out sailing and had to resort to setting the sail using the second set of reef holes...then I would not go out sailing. My main is not set with reefing control from the cockpit. I tried that once and was not satisifed with operating that way. I rather set reefing dockside if I am going to reef. Besides, if I had a reefing setup it would only be utilizing the first set of reef holes since that would be what would be used most times and it is extremely rare I would ever reef anyway. I guess one point I am trying to make is that most if they have a reefing setup would have it set using the first reef holes. If by chance strong winds hit, there is no time to then reset using the second set of reef holes and no way once the winds are full strength can one then switch to the second reef holes without assistance and even then you have to have a lot of guts to get up there and make the switch under those conditions. So, in theory the second set of reef holes is beenficial but in practice at least from my experiences, there is no way I was reefing to the second set of holes if I had not already done so from the dock...and as I said before, I do not see myself sailing if I have to resort to setting the main using the second set of reef holes.

Okay, one mentioned ther may be other reasons for using the second set of reef holes....maybe with beginners onboard and wanting to keep the boat has stable as possible...but that is not what comes to mind when I think of resorting to reefing. But I see the benefits in this situation.

I guees my response was mostly in regards to upset very strong wind conditions or very strong wind conditions known before leaving a dock. If I was staying overnight away from my marina, I would wait a day or motor back as viable options versus resorting to using a second set of reef holes. Of course, if one does not have a second set of reef holes, you do not have any other options anyway !

If buying a new sail and considering a second set of reef holes...no problem getting it with a second set of reef holes. I just did not go that way. I ordered my Quantum sails made up with one set of reef holes about midway maybe a bit below midway between where the normal first and second set of reef holes would be but then again my sails were custom designed after measurements taken off the boat by the Annapolis office and then made up by their South African shop.

Edited by - on

jebrant
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USA
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Response Posted - 07/24/2012 : 10:57:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 ...

So.....I do not go purposely out sailing in 50mph winds but even when that happens and full main is up, you can survive. Yes, if I was able to reef, things would have been much, much better and in this storm, a second reef would have helped. But who goes sailing in 50mph winds and when it happens, it oftentimes catches you by surprise and you may not be able to reef unless perhaps you have others onboard (experienced) to assist. So it is extremely rare that someone will actually use the second reef points on a main sail but no harm in having them. It may serve at sometime, a benefit. But if you have a choice and really do not see a need for them, you will be okay without them.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I enjoyed reading this since the realism tells me it was a significant emotional event and it reminded me of a similar event I had where a thuderstorm popped up when I was in TX on Stillhouse lake with my two little ones on board. 5mph to 30mph in darn near an instant and it about laid the boat over. I am proud to say I was able to rely on my 5 year old daughter to hold the tiller straight while I dumped the main and started the motor. Then the 110 genoa was so overpowering that I had to get it down and she was able to take direction and hold it into the wind while I pulled it down. Scary, but it ended well anyway and she and her brother are still comfortable being on the boat.

Edited by - on

redviking
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Response Posted - 07/26/2012 : 07:53:11

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 The one reef will serve you for just about any sailing condition. If one had to go to a 2nd reef, then probably should not be sailing and not go out or if out, then motor back.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Uh yeah, I mean NO!!!! Let's see, 4550 lbs. of boat with an outboard motor which will cavitate in almost any kind of sea state, and you have a recipe for a butt clincher or worse. Believe it or not, sailing a C25 under power in heavy weather is WAY more difficult than sailing a larger vessel with an inboard.

On a larger vessel with an inboard, and lines running aft, simply head up and let the main settle into the lazy jacks and motor in. NOW, a word of caution, this is NOT something I suggest. If something happens to the inboard, raising the main from all points of sail will be impossible. Having a second or third reef point will allow you to keep a scrap of main up, just in case. Drop it completely when you are BEHIND the breakwater or whatever.

But, as I have stated more than once here, if conditions are such that you really need to drop sail or put a reef in, you will probably wish you could handle all of that from the safety of the cockpit.

But I digress...

sten

Edited by - on

redviking
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Response Posted - 07/26/2012 : 08:04:02

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by jebrant
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 ...

So.....I do not go purposely out sailing in 50mph winds but even when that happens and full main is up, you can survive. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I enjoyed reading this since the realism tells me it was a significant emotional event and it reminded me of a similar event I had where a thuderstorm popped up when I was in TX on Stillhouse lake with my two little ones on board. 5mph to 30mph in darn near an instant and it about laid the boat over. I am proud to say I was able to rely on my 5 year old daughter to hold the tiller straight while I dumped the main and started the motor. Then the 110 genoa was so overpowering that I had to get it down and she was able to take direction and hold it into the wind while I pulled it down. Scary, but it ended well anyway and she and her brother are still comfortable being on the boat.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Another candidate for roller furling, lazy jacks, all lines led aft and reefing points that allow you to help the main come down using the reefing lines.

While I am sure your 5YO is already very skilled, leaving the confines of the cockpit with a 5YO at the helm is suicidal. What if there was a MOB situation?

And then what would happen to your kids?

I know sailors are cheap and hate spending money on things like running all lines aft or extra reef points, but I consider sail handling to be as if not more important than a reliable outboard, lotsa chain on your anchor rode, or that new toy you bought for the boat.

Especially on smaller vessels, the ability to maintain control of the vessel when the unexpected arises is SO important.

sten

Edited by - on

Alan Clark
Captain

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Response Posted - 07/26/2012 : 11:12:01

We have a friend Who did NOT believe in reef points (He is a racer, J boat)until he did the Trans Erie race and the weather went to hell with 3 others on board and it was a LONG UGLY ride with No reef points and his reputation also suffered.Luckily they all lived to tell. I AM a firm believer in reef points and My wife and I have sailed in some ugly winds that went just fine with reefing down the main and headsail. we are still married..;)

Edited by - on

cshaw
Captain

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Response Posted - 07/29/2012 : 11:14:15

[quote]
 Originally posted by redviking

I know sailors are cheap and hate spending money on things like running all lines aft or extra reef points, but I consider sail handling to be as if not more important than a reliable outboard, lotsa chain on your anchor rode, or that new toy you bought for the boat.

Especially on smaller vessels, the ability to maintain control of the vessel when the unexpected arises is SO important.

sten
[/quote}

Hi Sten and Alan!

GOOD! After some of the responses following my earlier post, I was beginning to think I was the only one on the list that believed in reefing points or even heaving-to to do the reefing (when you can) to avoid the thrashing around while still underway! We are all shaped by our experiences, and after 50 years of sailing I believe in that old Boy Scout Motto of "Be Prepared"!

Not sure about all sailors being cheap (even though I am for sure!) but I do think a lot of sailors have a single set of factory reefing points that are far too big a reef, so you go from being over powered to under powered, which can also get you in trouble. Thats why I have 3 smaller reefing stages, and the rigging to make tucking them in a straightforward one man job.

I do agree with a lot of the comments that on inland waters and lakes you have a lot lower probability of needing to have effective sized reefing, and dropping the sails and powering is a more viable option on more protected waters, but even then, having the ability to still sail effectively under pretty harsh conditions that will eventually catch all of us is sure is a welcome capability when you need it!

Cheers!

Chuck

Edited by - cshaw on 07/29/2012 11:20:30

Prospector
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Canada
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Response Posted - 07/29/2012 : 15:59:28

We have 2 reef points in our main.

We use the second reef point at least once per season.

There is very little weather these boats can't handle. Your skills and venue define the breaking point.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
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Response Posted - 07/30/2012 : 03:35:08

I read the postings regarding cheapness going with 1 reef point vs 2 reef points but like most things, that is not always the case - That the decision is based on cheapness. I went with one set of reef holes and it was on custom built sails. Quantum came down to my boat to take the measurements and the sails were made with a Dacron higher weave count than most obtain when buying off the shelf sails. These sails are a lot less prone to stretch than many of the Dacron sails sold - uses the 2nd highest quality Challenge dacron fabric. The thing is that each person has to decide based on their experiences and waters/wind conditions faced what works best for them. I have a tall rig and I do not race. I had the single reef holes placed above where the normal 1st set of reef holes are usually located - They are a bit below the halfway point between where the 1st and 2nd reef holes would normally be placed. This was based on my past experiences that I normally do not reef and it was with consulting with Quantum as to what would work out best for me...though they would have put in two sets of reef holes in it if that was want I wanted.

The original poster asked about the usefullness of the 2nd reef or do most people just drop the main if the 1st reef is too much. My thought is that from the varied comments and experiences posted by all of us, we have a good mix of opinions regarding what has worked out for most of us and as with many subjects, there is not one way to go on this issue.

Edited by - OLarryR on 07/30/2012 03:42:02

cshaw
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Response Posted - 07/30/2012 : 05:38:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 The original poster asked about the usefullness of the 2nd reef or do most people just drop the main if the 1st reef is too much. My thought is that from the varied comments and experiences posted by all of us, we have a good mix of opinions regarding what has worked out for most of us and as with many subjects, there is not one way to go on this issue.
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Larry,

I agree with you completely! The beauty of this forum is you can ask a question like that and get a lot of good opinions based on different experience. The hard part for the "asker" is to then decide what fits their needs and situation, especially if the "asker" does not have a large amount of experience.

Cheers!!
Chuck

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tweeet65
1st Mate

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USA
55 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2012 : 16:11:51

Hey gang, lots of good info on reefing the main. I have reef points on my genoa. Any experiences there to report? Do you just tie up the foot after reattaching the tack and clew?

Dave

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2012 : 17:16:44

Reefing the foot of a headsail is pretty much a non starter now that furler/reefers are so cheap for boats our size. When you consider the number of hanks on a 110, I think I would rather change headsails on hanked on sails rather than mess with reef points on a genoa.

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