MASTERCLASS

Here is a yacht with reefed sails S ometimes, when sailing downwind with a poledout headsail, or even under spinnaker, you may wish to put in a reef whilst continuing in the direction of your destination.

As well as keeping you heading in the right direction this reduces the apparent wind strength and therefore tends to be more comfortable. This technique will allow you to take in a reef without the need to de-rig your pole and come up to windward in light to moderate winds.

1. Place the boat on a stable downwind heading typically with the wind fi ne on the windward quarter;

2. Release the boom vang;

3. Tension the topping lift, ensuring the boom is elevated a little at the outboard end;

4. Ease the preventor whilst tensioning the mainsheet or, if no preventor is fi tted, simply tension the mainsheet which will centre or blade the mainsail. This will have the effect of scandalising and depowering the mainsail;

5. Lower the main halyard until the reefi ng cringle is level with the ram’s horn – at the same time bring in the reefi ng line so that both the luff and leach are reduced in unison; 6. Attach the reefi ng cringle to the ram’s horn and re-tension the main halyard;

7. Continue to tension the reefi ng line until the sail is tightly bound to the boom – be aware there may be a need to ease the mainsheet a fraction to allow the sail to be reefed tight to the boom;

8. Ease the mainsheet to allow the mainsail to fall out to leeward;

9. Ease the topping lift;

10. Re-tension the boom vang as necessary;

11. Tidy up the lines;

12. If appropriate re-rig a preventer.

This is not a manoeuvre that will work in strong winds, and it does require a few sets of hands. However, it is a useful technique that can assist you in maintaining your course whilst reefi ng. Try it and see how you go! For more hints, tips and advice visit the RYA website www.rya.org.uk.

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