A reef before nightfall.

[Peppermint]

I was on passage down channel last week and, as is my habit if I'm not 100% about the forecast, I had the crew put the first reef in as twilight seeped away. One of the crew said "What we done that for? It's only blowing a three."

I've always done it and rarely wish I hadn't

Anybody else do this sort of thing?

 

[Joe_Cole]

The way you describe it it does sound a little too timid, but then it's always best to err on the side of caution.

FWIW I always ask crew to put life jackets on as it gets dark; no matter what the weather.

Out of interest, was it you or the crew who ended up saying "I told you so"?

 

[Sea_dreamer]

I have heard it said before, and it was only on our delivery trip that I appreciated why it holds true.

We had been motoring for hours and hours (most of the trip from Dublin in fact) and we got to just off Troon, destination Largs. Breeze picked up from nothing to 3-4 knots just as the sun went down, but we were very comfortable in the twilight. As the breeze was very light we put up the full main. It was forecast to blow a little more, but progress was very good in the breeze we had.

We got to Ardrossan so about a couple of hours to go. The breeze then picked up a few notches in the Bay. The boat was pressed, not something I relish in the dark. I will never forget going to the mast - even with lifejacket and harness - and dropping the main altogether, so that we could make progress under the No 2 (our cruising sail) alone.

It was slower, but much more comfortable, and allowed us to concentrate on position and lights. We thought about putting the main back up after we had passed the bay, but decided not to bother.

So a reef before nightfall it is from now on!

John

 

[Sgeir]

I agree. S'pose it depends on your rig, but, if the weather's iffy, and you're short-handed sailing on a MAB with an "unusual" reefing system, one reef in the main makes sense at night. If there's any doubt about the weather, that's exactly what we do.

Don't think it matters as I would never wish to be sailing flat out in dark anyway. Also, on our boat, the real power comes from the roller reefing genny, and the main is more for direction and cutting a reasonable course when tacking.

I might change my mind once I've tried our new improved reefing system next weekend.

 

[brianhumber]

Always do as well as my pride and joy can be a bit skittish if overpressed.
No body outside companionway without harness clipped on is another rule.

 

[graham]

I think it depends on how easy it is to reef down.If its easilly done singlehanded then I would set the sail suitable for the breeze.But if it needs the sleeping crew to be called out to reef then better to be a bit undercanvassed than have to drag them out an hour later.

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Hard to say who was right

As on this trip I do sail other peoples boats with inexperienced crews.

The wind went up about 10 knots. The result wouldn't have had us reefing in daylight. It did mean that all watches and skipper got their full ration of kip though.
As I often get a running commentary on a rising wind when I'd rather be sleeping I'd say it was a result.

First time I've been called timid though. I must be getting old.

 

[charles_reed]

With an inexperienced crew or a boat you don't know it sounds a moderately seamanlike thing to do.

As I sail singlehanded, most of the time and I know the boat thoroughly, I'd only consider reefing if and when the wind got up.

I might consider taking down the spinnaker before dusk, not for fear of taking it down in the dark but because you can't see to trim it and I've had too many ripped panels to make it worth the few extra miles gained.

Mind you the 1st of my 4 reefs is a single-line coming back to the cockpit and very easy to take in.

 

[Sybarite]

This was the traditional wisdom. However with modern gear reefing is much easier than before and so I think maybe you could leave it in the absence of a forecast which suggests the contrary. It also depends to a certain extent on the point of sailing. If you are beating during the night this could make for a more comfortable ride. If you are reaching on the other hand, it's a pity to lose the speed.

John.