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Author Topic: When to reef  (Read 6985 times)

Billy Ellis

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When to reef
« on: November 12, 2012, 02:44:22 PM »
I come from the school that reefing should be avoided at almost all cost. While looking through some old articles I have seen references to reefing but have never put one in myself. Basically when it is blowing really hard I sail off the jib with the main flogging and ease the jib in the hard puffs to stay upright. ( which make guys like Brad and Tac smile ) Any of you SF bay guys want to chime in or anyone else for that matter.
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Keith Ziegler

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Re: When to reef
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2012, 08:24:25 PM »
Billy,

Tried reefing about five years ago in mid twentys and felt it gave up to much and haven't reefed since. Basically follow what you are doing driving off the jib and get some main in when ever possible.

Keith
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Gregg Henning

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Re: When to reef
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2012, 01:13:31 AM »
I reefed once back in 2001...... Never again..... I let god take it down!
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Philip Davis

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Re: When to reef
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2012, 04:00:06 AM »
We sailed Wurstfest Regatta couple weekends ago.  Low 18s to 28s.  Had four big guys and reefed main and went like stink!
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Mike Josselyn

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Re: When to reef
« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2012, 02:28:23 AM »
Generally haven't reefed when racing.  But when single handing on the bay, a reef keeps you upright and saves the main.  Flogging is bad news for sails -- vang on hard, sheet down on the main, and travaler down to flatten as much as possible so it doesn't flog.
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boroughf

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Re: When to reef
« Reply #5 on: November 29, 2012, 04:59:29 AM »
All i know is that there is a direct correlation between the wind conditions and having the reefing line rigged.  Every time we don't rig it, we wished we would have.  It is very difficult to rig when you're caught in a squal trying to keep off the lee shore, the boat upright, and people on the boat. Ask UDecide from the Trans Tahoe several years back.

Like Mike said though, it makes for a much more relaxing commute back to the dock after a long day of being over powered and light on crew.  We have set it on one race that I can remember. It wasn't fast, but was a lot more enjoyable.
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