Genoa slab reef?

[jonathanhsm]

Just acquired a 'new to me' furling Genoa which has a reinforce cringle about a third of the way up the leech and two eyes in the body of the sail...see attached picture
I assume this is for slab reefing ? If so why would you slab reef when you can furl....
And are the two mutually exclusive ie if you slab reef you can't furl and vice verse?
Or is it for something completely different ? Sail is Danish - Elvstrom Sobstad.

 

[Babylon]

Sail converted from original hanks to luff for furler.

 

[HenrikH]

The luff has been cut back, with it the luff eye. Furling reef is easy, but slab reefing holds the jib shape

 

[jonathanhsm]

thank you both ... makes sense!

 

[William_H]

I would suggest you give the slab reefing a go. ie possible to use both reefing methods when wind comes up. The problem with slab reefing a jib is the possibility of the bunt of sail (the folded up bit) foulingon deck etc when tacking. As said slab reefing might give a better sail shape than the equivalent area reduction by furling. ol'will