selden single line reefing sail removal

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dewent

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I have not taken the sails off my 3 year old 42ft yacht before. I want to get them off for minor repairs and cleaning.

However, I have 2 single line reefs in the mainsail and I am nervous of getting everything threaded back correctly when I refit the mainsail.

Does anyone have any advice on how to do this properly or is there on online guide I can download?
 
Seldon used to may still do a handbook which contains amongst other things the diagrams for single line reefing. Tip don't pull the lines out of the boom put knots in the ends and just pull them tight then undo when you refit the sail.
 
Selden do have a good website with lots of pdfs in various languages. However I think the operation is straight forward, you just put them back in the same places as you remove them from. On replacing the lines lead them from the sides of the boom from which they emerge through the cringle from that side and back down to the boom on the other. The forward lines normally terminate at the respective eye without the double purchase found at the rear. Next time the sail is up why not take a couple of photos.
BUT make sure not to remove the lines from within the boom as it is very diificult to get them back round the cars without removing the boom ends.
 
Undo the reef lines from the luff of the main. Put figure 8 knots in them.

Undo the reef lines from the boom at the leech and pull them through the leech cringles. Put figure 8 knots in them.

Pull the reefing lines hand tight at the normal place alongside the companionway. The figure of 8 knots will stop them pulling into the boom.

Remove sail.

Reverse process when refitting sail.

(hint) Make a note of how the battens are sealed into their pockets as you remove them. Putting the battens back can sometimes be a bit of a head-scratcher.
 
dewent said:
I have not taken the sails off my 3 year old 42ft yacht before. I want to get them off for minor repairs and cleaning.

However, I have 2 single line reefs in the mainsail and I am nervous of getting everything threaded back correctly when I refit the mainsail.

Does anyone have any advice on how to do this properly or is there on online guide I can download?
Click to expand...

Suggest you make careful diagragm of exisiting installation at mast and leech before dismantling.

Warning: when you untie each reefing line make a deep knot immediately in each loose end. Like right away! Once an end has disappeared inside the boom through over enthusiastic yanking on the skeins of flapping line, you are in for a pretty dance re-threading it all!!! How do I know?

And if you ever have to open the end of the boom remember this - there are two vertical carriers that run the length of the boom section. They run on plastic shoes/wheels that fall out and drop in the drink - very boring to have to find replacements!

PWG
 
dewent said:
I have not taken the sails off my 3 year old 42ft yacht before. I want to get them off for minor repairs and cleaning.

However, I have 2 single line reefs in the mainsail and I am nervous of getting everything threaded back correctly when I refit the mainsail.

Does anyone have any advice on how to do this properly or is there on online guide I can download?
Click to expand...

Photograph them before you dismantle... take loads of piccies.... :)
 
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