Main reefing

[gauntlet]

Continued refurbishment of 1940s 14-ton wood bermudan sloop...lots of questions as still novices...

new boom and sail sorted, now need to finish reefing system - here is the debate so far, all ideas welcome:

Sailmaker threatens to disown us if we use original roller reefing and worried about shape of sail with this and my strength to turn handle as 8-stone weakling!

So boom and sail prepared for trad points system. Question: how to tension and secure pennants? No 'horn' fitting for luff cringle, any suggestions about adding a fitting to mast or welding something on the gooseneck fitting?

We thought of taking leech pennants to winches - one either side of boom, so can always reef on leeward side, assuming hove-to. Question: do we fit track and block like modern systems? but I cannot find a source for one and neither can our boom-maker in trad brass and tufnel like rest of our fittings. Or do we fit sheaves each side in which case where to get advice on design, calculating loads and strength of materials needed etc.?

Also how best to make off pennant once reefed? Its OK to leave first one on winch or have a cleat beyond, but then probs with second or third. Alternative is to have an extra line kept to tie off leech cringle once hauled down..works well but adds another task and more moving about deck...is there a better way?

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[Peterduck]

Have a good look at one of the better references such as John Leather's "Gaff rig Handbook". There's a good sketch in ch. 4 of reefing combs and usual set-up. A worry that I would have with small boom-mounted winches is the strength of fastening to the boom to cope with the tensions which could be imposed. If the boat is rounded up before reefing and the load taken off the sail, reefing should not need winches on the leech lines. One has a set-up on each side of the boom for the first and second reefs. If there is the provision on the sail for a third line of reefs, take the luff and leech lines for the first reef once the second reef has been secured, and then reeve them through the third reef cringles. Usually I have found that by the time the second reef is in my biggest problem is keeping on my feet because of the movement of the boat.
Peter.

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[Mirelle]

Just shoot your sailmaker

who obviously does not know what he is talking about, and fit the original roller reefing gear.

We use ours and very good it is too. Faster and more reliable than points.

I suspect our boats are rather near to each other and of roughly similar size; happy to discuss over a pint...

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[gauntlet]

Re: Just shoot your sailmaker

Always up for a pint!

We moor at Ipswich Haven ('Ame') and live near Pin Mill so frequently lurk at Butt n' Oyster - is that near you? Have you spotted us? In which case you have the advantage, sir/madam, as they say...

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[Kristal]

Re: Just shoot your sailmaker

As the prodigal yawl prepares to return to the Deben following a very dull summer in the Big Lights, I'd love a pint in the old haunts if anyone fancies one.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://d205161.u24.uk.assimilatedservers.net/cryspics/>Crystal II in Pictures</A>