reef points

[waynemunro]

I am considering putting reef points in my sail, it seems the conservative thing to do. I have seen discussion one way or the other.. however my question is how do I do it ? I have never actually seen a reef point so know them only academically as a row of somethings across a sail which allows me to lash it to the boom around mid height. I can see these being one of:

- a row of grommets through which a line is feed, could be slow to reef, some air will be let through the sail.

- some pre-stiched lines attached to the sail, so just a case of dropping it and tying them together, this would look a bit naff with the lines hanging when the sail was full up

- some stiched loops on the sail, through which to feed a line. no through sail airflow like grommets, though perhaps not as strong ?

I am sure there are other options, I have not been able to find a reference to how reef points are made.. anyone care to shed some light ?

cheers

Wayne

[Barry Pyeatt]

Traditionally a band of fabric is sewn across the sail parallel to the foot. The height of the band varies. Typically a 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3 reef band is set. These are based upon area of the sail, reducing the area by 33%, 50% and 66%. (Personally if I had to reef it down more than 50% I think I would be heading for sheltered waters with my sails down and power on. Although the boat will most likely be more stable under sail "reefed" with just the main than under power.) Gaffsails and storm try-sails, are reduced in size by reef-points made of stout line (4 to 20 Ib), crow-footed in the middle, a hole being pierced through every seam; one-half of the point is passed through and the crowfoot sewn firmly to the sail; the number of reefs depends upon the size of the sail, and the reefs are placed parallel to the foot.

I have seen sail makers place the reef point with about the same spacing as the grommets on the foot of the sail used to lash it to the boom.

I haven't seen just grommets placed in the sail for use anywhere. In a situation requiring reefing, you don't want to be looking for ties. They need to be there already.

It was also suggested that you place additional eyes on the boom at the appropriate reefed postions so you can tension the clew after reefing.

Hope this helps.

[Barry Pyeatt]

Here is a photo of a Friendship with a traditional rig. I have overlaid the reef points which have been sewn into the seams of the main. Same thing was done on the jib.

I also indicated the back/forth laceing that was done on the mast. Note the reinforcing patches at both ends of the reef line. Both ends have tie downs incorporated into the patches to secure the main at the mast and the clew.

In the fully reefed main, (reduced by 66% or more) it acts as an effective storm sail keeping a great deal of weather helm in effect. That in itself is a good thing to prevent unwanted accidental gybes. Release the helm and it will turn into the wind.

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