Hello dear friends,
time has come to slowly start to sail again. Now, I been told by many experienced sailors that reefing if important and I want to master that.
I have checked my mainsail and it has 3 levels of wholes for reefing. Question: when is the time to put a reefing on? Can I for start use a simple methodology: 5 knots wind = first reefing hole, 10knots = second and 15 knots= third feeding hole. And off course, I will adjust the Genoa as needed. I can roll it more and less. The YSE8 is coming soon from rebuilding process ( Yanmar Artarmon) and I want to start learning from scratch, slowly without any broken windows and with no healing like a crazy man. For start around the woolwich are to the goat island far from Shark island this time. Any suggestions are welcome. I am so glad that YSE 8 is coming back into the boat completely rebuild with all new parts and gaskets. It was a long process.
I am planing to use main sail and when in needs roll out the Genoa as needed. It's not easy to do everything with two hands only. This time I will go slowly and avoid heads and ugly waves. No more risk taking, I have learned my lesson.
keep in touch
In general boats like around 10-14 knots of breeze. Above that reefing becomes advisable. If you start to see white caps on the waves or don't like the heel angle then it is time to reef. It is more of a feel thing rather than a numbers thing.
You will likely want both sails up for a balanced boat. Some boats prefer headsail reduced first and then main reefed, but most prefer main reefed first and then the headsail.
Have fun.
Forget the numbers. Go out and practise reefing in light winds and find out how it all works and what are the things to avoid. You'll probably end up with heaps of line in the cockpit which will get tangled up at some stage (hint - try chucking it down the companionway). Practise over and over till you do can it smoothly and without thinking. Then try it in a bit more wind and gradually work your way up in stronger winds till you find your and the boat's limits. Let yourself be whimpy about it until your confidence grows, which it will.
Cheers, Graeme
As per Wongaga. Start out with your first reef all set in place before before leaving the marina/mooring so that you're all set to hoist to that point as soon as you get out. Sail about with that in for a while.
If winds are nice and light practice removing reef and putting in again a few times until comfortable with the process.
Give yourself plenty of space from other boats etc. it's bound to not go smoothly the first times so give yourself the opportunity to practice in mild conditions first.
Yeh what they all said.
The best time to put in a reef is when you first think about doing it.
Practice & practice, particularly managing all the lines.
You need a simple system whereby you can ease out the main (assuming you are on the breeze), lower the main halyard, secure the new tack, then take up the new clew with the reefing line.
It is easier to shake the reef out underway than put it in so reefing at the dock is a good call.
