William_H
Well-Known Member
Re: Mainsail reefing and Fireball\'s post
Fireball's system is good in that it carries reefing line inside the boom and there are no blocks on the side of the boom however the strength holding the reef cringle to the boom against the mainsheet pull down is limited because one line from the reefing cringle goes to the boom end. You get far more down pull by having cheek blocks on the side of the boom. They need to be positioned to give 45 degree pull to the boom. ie half down and half outward pull. This dictates external reef lines which can be organised by running them through guides under the boom.
I use a very efficient system for the tack (gooseneck end) where there is a saddle and cheek block on the mast below and forward of the gooseneck and tack eye. The line then runs down to the deck and back to the cabin top winches. This line is positioned so that there is a 45 degree pull to the mast and boom. ie half down against the halyard and half forward against the outhaul. The effect is a very well tensioned main sail foot and a well tensioned halyard resulting in a good heavy weather sail shape. I can't imagine a single line reefing system providing the necessary tension.
A good reefing system is essential for easy confident pleasure sailing as well as racing. olewill
PS I would suggest to WilliamG that he set up one reef first and see how he likes it. Drilling holes in the boom and fitting cheek blocks does not detract from boom strength because they are near the aft end. Booms main failure point is near the middle.
Fireball's system is good in that it carries reefing line inside the boom and there are no blocks on the side of the boom however the strength holding the reef cringle to the boom against the mainsheet pull down is limited because one line from the reefing cringle goes to the boom end. You get far more down pull by having cheek blocks on the side of the boom. They need to be positioned to give 45 degree pull to the boom. ie half down and half outward pull. This dictates external reef lines which can be organised by running them through guides under the boom.
I use a very efficient system for the tack (gooseneck end) where there is a saddle and cheek block on the mast below and forward of the gooseneck and tack eye. The line then runs down to the deck and back to the cabin top winches. This line is positioned so that there is a 45 degree pull to the mast and boom. ie half down against the halyard and half forward against the outhaul. The effect is a very well tensioned main sail foot and a well tensioned halyard resulting in a good heavy weather sail shape. I can't imagine a single line reefing system providing the necessary tension.
A good reefing system is essential for easy confident pleasure sailing as well as racing. olewill
PS I would suggest to WilliamG that he set up one reef first and see how he likes it. Drilling holes in the boom and fitting cheek blocks does not detract from boom strength because they are near the aft end. Booms main failure point is near the middle.