Correct sequence for reefing sails

[tidalwave]

What is the recommended sequence to reef sails when the wind
continues to increase in velocity

I have noticed some boats drop the main fully and leave up the headsail,
others drop the headsail and leave up the main.

I have a 130 genoa and the mainsail has two reef points.

I have tried many combinations of decreasing headsail and mainsail, and
never been satisfied that I have decreased sail correctly.

[Trouts Dream]

I think it depends on your boat and sail configuration.

I have an X with a 150 genoa on a roller furler. Sequence for me also depends on whether I had my head out of my a$$. If I have been aware of the impending wind I will reef the main and then furl the genoa. With a furling genoa I have unlimited forsail size control and use this to fine tune the amount of sail up. If I get caught (it happens) I heave to with the genoa out and reef the main, then furl the genoa. I have not been in a wind that was so strong that I felt I could only have one or the other out. Thats what the Tohatsu's for.
If I ever had a situation of engine wouldn't start and big winds, I personally would drop the main and use a hankerchief of a foresail. The logic is I can control the foresail from the cockpit to any size.
If you have an M the whole situation might be different.

[pokerrick1]

If you have an M the whole situation might be different.

Yes it might - - - in a heavy wind one should NOT sail an M with only a foresail - - - the M has no backstay and a forceful wind on the foresail which is attached to the mast some 5 feet from the top may well bring down the whole rig It's OK to sail with just a furling Genoa in light winds, but NOT in heavy winds (so I'm told by a dealer who knows).

Rick

[Boblee]

It's OK to sail with just a furling Genoa in light winds, but NOT in heavy winds (so I'm told by a dealer who knows).

My dealer told me the same thing but you can use your topping lift and main sheets for at least moderate winds as a makeshift backstay.

[dennisneal]

My sequence for furling the sails when the wind continues to increase in velocity beyond some whitecaps and four footers is:

Totally furl the foresail, (Genoa).

Bring down the mainsail.

Turn on the aluminum auxillary sail, (Evinrude Etec 60 HP).

Hang on and head to the marina.

[Don T]

Hello,
My sequence is:
1. Tighten backstay to flatten main & genoa, ease out sheets. (15mph)
2. Adjust genoa cars and boom vang to twist off the top of sails. (15~18 mph)
3. Reef main to first point w/ single line reef system. Furl in a couple of turns on the genoa. (15~18 gusty conditions, sea up).
4. Second reef on the main (gaskets and eyelet on bolt hook). 150% Genoa reduced to 100% (17~ 20 mph, sea up).
5. Double reefed main only (20~24 mph). Use motor if going to wind.

[pokerrick1]

Reef? Reef?? We don't need no stinking reef!

My sequence.

1) Lower E-Tec
2) Start E-Tec
3) Motor back to slip
4) Stay there until I move somewhere that doesn't have as much wind.

Rick

[tlperrine]

I am pragmatic. I reduce sail on the one that is easiest for me. Since I have my foresail on a roller, I do that first. A couple of years ago I put in a single line reef for the mainsail. That works ok, but takes a few minutes to get the main wrapped up. I am trying a 2 line reefing system this year and will try it once I get it on the lakes soon.

[bubba]

Just put the 3rd quick reef on ( check mods for photo)our and ballance is the trick. The other day my wife and I went out to try the 3rd reef in 30 mph wind with gusts we healed only about 15deg and went 3-5 kt close into the wind and doing a broad reach we did 5.9 and better in good control in 4 ft wind swells in the Columbia River Gorge.

SWAG (Scientific Wild Ass Guessing) on sail choice and wind speeds

Full main w/ A type genniker to 1-12 mph, broad reach: full main w/ std spinniker to 1 -16 mph (it smooths running down wind); full main w/ 110% jib 1-16 mph and gusts ; 1st reef w/ some jib 15-20 and gusts; 2nd reef w/ 3 ft jib 18-24 mph w/ gusts ; 3rd reef w/ 2ft jib or not 20-30 mph w/ gusts; over 30 mph wind if married set 2 or 3 anchors out, you take the table down and make the day bed

[tangentair]

Bubba - can you measure from the foot of the sail to your reefing points the next time your sail is up, I am interested in that 3rd reef that keep you at 15 degrees headed up wind .

[bubba]

From the stern end of the boom the first reef (was installed by the Mac dealer by Rush Sails) is about 4 ft., second reef ( stock reef) 8 ft and 3rd reef is set at 13 ft from tbe boom. When I asked Rush Sails to put in a 3rd or storm reef and they calculated it. They also added the luff lines for the mast sail slides for easier reefing and the little plastic jam cleats for tighting the back edge of the sail.