tophatyachts.com

Hi all,

Some time ago I saw a diagram on here of a reefing system where the main was pulled down at the mast as well as at the end of the boom.
So that there was no need to leave the cockpit to put in a reef whilst underway.

I cannot find the thread and would like to have more of an argument with real life examples for my shipwright.


P.s
I still cannot load any photos or files.

Hi Di,
Its called Jiffy Reefing. Your shipright should know about it.
If you're on Face book I'll put a pic on there as this site is having problems.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/42917318330/

hi Diana, suggest you check out the Harken site. There is a drawing there.
Cheers, john

Taa muchly.

I was finally able to show my shipwright what I meant.

My shipwright is not a fan of this type of reefing system.
He says he has used it in high winds with less than desirable results.

Has anyone actually used it?

Storm Petrel had single line reefing when I bought her. I found there was too much friction to reef quickly and effectively in a strong breeze. I think you need a separate line for the tack and the clew if you sail single handed and wish to reef from the cockpit.(ie four separate lines for two slab reefs). If you need to double reef, you will also want to flatten your sail with a lot of outhaul tension and single line reefing makes this difficult.

Because I sail with crew aboard, I now use a single line led back to the cockpit for the clew of each reefing point and I simply tie the tack to the gooseneck with a piece of line that I leave fixed to the gooseneck. After reefing I always tie a safety line to the clew from the end of the boom and swing it around the boom as well (call me conservative, but I like to know the clew and tack are not going to fly loose when it gets breezy).

Cheers,
Mark

Thanks Mark,

You have put into words, far more eloquently than I could have done.
And in reality you have described exactly what he said.

Looks like I will stick to my normal reefing system.


Am thinking about putting on a downhaul for the main.
So if I get into trouble solo I can drop the main more easily.

It drops pretty well already but I am always looking for ways to improve the
system.

I set up the Harken single line system a few years ago with 3 reefs so that I did not have to leave the cockpit to reef.
There is friction with 3 lines going up and down the sail but it is only an issue when shaking out the reef not putting it in.
I use 6mm double braid and it runs quite well.
Takes about 30 to 40 seconds to put the reef in on my own.
Sets the sail really well and the sailbag keeps the bunt nice and tidy.
Can post details if anyone else wants to do it.
Cheers,
Tom

The Harken system has the line outside of the boom.
My lines are inside the boom.

Shipwright is still adamant that it is not a good idea.
For a number of reasons.

If anything he suggests 2 lines for reefing one to hold down the tack very secure. - He still prefers attaching the tack to the hooks so that it is super secure and tight otherwise he reckons in a big wind you can rip all the sail out of the guides.

He says he has been on board a boat where this has happened so he will never hook up a system where the tack is not held very very tight and secure.

Use a second line as a downhaul - if absolutely essential -and still hook the tack into the hook at the gooseneck.

Diana,

If your sail track goes down to the boom, it is easy to firmly anchor the reefing cringle as your shipwright recommends, and still be able to reef from the cockpit.

Simply attach a sail slide to the reefing cringle and close off the opening in the track to prevent the slide falling out of the track as it is pulled down. Then attach a line to the reefing cringle and lead it back to a cleat at the cockpit. The slide needs to be strong (either a plastic slug with metal "loop", or an all metal slug) and needs to be attached to the reefing cringle by webbing.

The video on this link shows it much better than I can describe in words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBY_p_80sZY

It makes reefing singlehanded much easier, and is definitely worth doing.

Steve

Dont have any ideas for you except maybe add some lubricant to the track & slugs to reduce any friction while you are reefing....& to say its important to have an easy, quick reefing system that suits your needs, so its a pleasure to raise sail & its no hassles, so you actually feel like sailing.

cheers