Reefing arrangements

[neil1967]

Hi

My 8m yacht has a very limited reefing arrangement - there are 2 reefing lines, the fixed end of each is connected to the boom below the reefing point, with the reefing line going up, through the reefing point and down the other side to a block and then forward to a fixed cleat at the mast end of the boom. There is no real method of getting any purchase on the reefing line.

Given that I will normally be sailing with just 2 of us, I want to improve the reefing system. My first thought was simply to use take both existing reefing lines and instead of cleating them at the front of the boom, I would take them round a block, down to the base of the mast, round another block, and back to the cockpit where they could be terminated on a pair of clutches. This would leave the front reefing point to be hooked on to the front of the boom. I am reasonably happy that this would work. I then thought that instead of taking the reefing line down at the front of the boom, why could it not go round the block and up, then through the front reefing point and then down and back to the cockpit. Tightening the reefing line should pull both the front and rear reefing points down equally thus giving me a simple single line reefing system?

All my lines run external to the boom (and mast for that matter). Is there any reason why this should not work?

Words of wisdom much appreciated!

Regards

Neil

Regards

 

[Malcb]

You've basically described a standard single line reefing system as fitted to many boats. The draw back with what you suggest is the amount of friction caused by the reefing line passing through the reefing eyes on the sail.

It is workable if you have blocks stitched to the sail and then pass the reefing lines through the blocks. The better the blocks the less friction.

That's what I have on my boat (7 metres), and it works, and there is no need to use a winch if it is done properly.

 

[Slow_boat]

I sail single handed on a 26 footer most of the time. I have a system similar to what you have now and can reef at the mast in about a minute when I heave to. I just heave to, ease the mainsheet, up the topping lift, drop the main, pull down the leach reefing line, clip the spectacles to the carbine hooks on the gooseneck, tension main halyard (I don't use a handle on the halyard windh, I haven't got one!), ease topping lift and get back under way. Quick and easy and no knitting in the cockpit!

If you find it difficult to lower the sail on a boat that size I would suggest that either the slides are sticking or the sail's to full of wind. You shouldn't need to get any real purchase on the reefing line, it should pull down quite easily.

To avoid loops of reefing line under the boom I've led it through plastic pipes screwed to the boom.

 

[morgandlm]

I'm with Slow-Boat on this. I also have a 26 footer and sail single handed a lot. My reefing system is exactly as you describe. I find I can actually pull reefs into the main by sailing close to the wind under reefed jib alone with the maiin sheet slacked off, rather than having to go hove-to although that is probably safer and better practice when single handed. The main "art" I find is lowering the main the right amount so that the reefing cringle can go over the ramshorn and not fall out before re-tensioning the halyard. There was a good suggestion about how to modify the ramshorn to prevent this a while ago but I've never got around to doing it. The key is to take the tension off the leech by taking up the topping lift a little. Practice putting reefs in when you don't need to.
I would certainly not consider going to a single line reefing system or even to bringing the reefing lines back to the cockpit - there's enough clutter already and it would add more friction.
Morgan

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
The main "art" I find is lowering the main the right amount so that the reefing cringle can go over the ramshorn and not fall out before re-tensioning the halyard.

[/ QUOTE ]

My solution to that problem is not to have horns at all. Just a lashing around the boom and through the luff cringle.

 

[Slow_boat]

I have bolted a carabina hook each side of the boom through the old roller reefing handle hole and made 'spectacles' of webbing and a couple of stainless rings at each luff reefing point. They don't fall out of the carabiners. I suppose you could mark the halyard as well.

I have see a large cable tie used. Secure round the 'closed' bit of the ramshorn nearest the boom and twist so the tail of the cable tie is tensioned against the 'open' end. I don't know how well it works, though.

I find heaving to to reef gives a more stable platform and the job is more relaxed.

 

[damo]

A small loop of shockcord on the horn also does the job, but I prefer a carabiner on a strop. I have also seen a carbine hook welded to the horn, which is probably the best method of all. And use spectacle rings, not the cringle /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[neil1967]

Thanks for the comments. As a matter of interest, is your mast winch self-tailing? I have used standard mast winches on larger yachts with more crew with no problem, but suspect that using a standard winch on a bouncing coachroof solo would be a bit of a handful - or am I being over cautious?

 

[damo]

Mine is not s/t and in practise I don't find it a problem. I have a clipping point on the mast I can kneel and lean back on, and holding the rope tail provides a handhold.