single line reefing (again!)

[emnick]

I have tried a search (honest) but all the threads seem to digress to the pros & cons of such systems. I have a Selden system with in boom cars and I have had a third reef put into the sail. What is the best way to rig it. I am not to concerned about getting out on deck to reef (I know it defeats the object), should I fit horns at the goose neck etc. I do have a winch on the mast so can use that if necessary.
I was told that horns tend to snag existing system. Any help here appreciated.Thanks

 

[Slowtack]

I inherited a two-line reefing system on my boat. The leech reefing lines are a normal slab reefing system. The luff cringles each have a strong pennant with block attached. For each reef a line is attached to the forward end of the boom, led up thru the relevant block, down to a deck block and thru an organiser to a clutch. The pennant length is set to match the height of reefed sail bunched over the boom. Hence different pennant lengths for reefs 1,2,3. Obviously 3 extra clutches are needed for the luff reefing lines. To reef, you first reef the aft line and then the luff line. All done from the cockpit. I have found this system simple to use with no hidden moving parts and user friendly when single handed or with inexperienced crew.

 

[saltwater_gypsy]

Fit the horns,(or some clever alternative with strops).
They are essential as back-up when the single line fails. Sounds like you have all the essentials for a simple third reef system.
The big debate was whether the second and third reefs should be on the single line or, (as is usually the case), the first and second reefs.
I have opted for first and second reefs with a simple system for the third. I regard the third reef as an emergency measure as I have a trysail which I would hoist at 40knts.
But that is another debate!!!!!

 

[Bav34]

Took some photies for you today.

We have a Selden mast and boom.

We have the horns fitted at the gooseneck as you can see. This was standard fit.

They do not interfere with the main.

The first photo shows our pre-set second reef. This, and the first reef, are wound in from the cockpit.

The second photo is of the third reef position.

The third photo shows the horns.

It would take approximately 20 seconds for the crew to leave the cockpit and drop the reef ring over the horns with the tension on the main halyard then being put on by the crew on the cockpit.

In many years/miles of cruising/racing on many different boats we have NEVER had to reef down to third reef position. Lucky? Don’t think so, but have always found that a well-flattened well-trimmed 2 reef main has been safe enough.

Or we drop it.

On the basis that probably 80% of our reefed sailing has involved one reef and the remaining 20% involves two, our main is set up for those to be carried out from the safety of the cockpit.

I recognise the concern that if you want/need to put in a third reef that you are actually sending your crew out of the cockpit at the most dangerous time BUT it really does come down to probability.

How often do you think this is going to happen? In our case, never.

We ALWAYS reef one and two from the cockpit.

We have NEVER had to drop in a third reef.

IF we did then the exposure time (to something that has never happened) is minimal.

The third reef line is also in the cockpit. Once the reef cringle has been hooked on the reef line would also be wound on from the safety of the cockpit.

Love it /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif