I started a particular practice and have no idea whether others do the same thing (or it’s just another one of my “interesting ways to sail”). First. like many, if she’s blowin’ a gale (or a little windy), I tie in the reef at my slip before I even go out on the water. Way less work and, on my NS22, one should reef early. Furthermore, there is almost no loss of speed with a reef tied in and the boat steers with one finger on the tiller.
The thing is … if it looks like a real gusty second-reef day, I tie in BOTH reefs, the first and the second. The tied-in first reef doesn’t impede anything as I sail with the second reef. And, if things lighten up, I just shake out the second reef. Furthermore, the clew end of the sail is kinda held in place at two points, doesn’t flap and the whole thing is much neater.
All of that said, I have no idea whether this idea would work for a larger Nonsuch (or any other boat, for that matter). I’ve attached a document containing a photo taken this past Monday during what had to be one of the nicest summer days we’ve had this year - warm, dry and windy but not crazy windy.
Ernie,
I don’t think I understand. [Note: I am much too much a fair weather sailor to need to reef often–and it is far easier for me to simply drop the mizzen] When you say “tie in the xxx reef”, are you suggesting that the reef is not already connected, through the cringle, and the line led back to the cockpit? Do you unfeed that line or take out the knot at the end that connects to the wishbone?
Prepared to be schooled about some obscure terminology here…
Brian
SV Serenity
Nonsuch Nereus #003
Pax River, MD
I simply meant that I reef the sail … twice. Our sails have (at least) two reef points, a 1st (for some wind) and a 2nd (for MORE wind). That is, the sail is shortened (less sail) if you use the 1st reef and shortened (even more) if you use the second.
And, one “reefs” by tightening 2 lines (tack and clew). So, two red lines pulled and the sail is in its #1 reef. THEN, if it’s really blowing, (with the #1 reef still in place), I pull two green lines and the sail is in its #2 position.
My point (if I can still remember it … ) is that I don’t “loosen up” or “undo” my 1st reef to “tie in” (there’s that expression) my 2nd reef.
All of my lines are set up - I wasn’t suggesting that I was removing or changing running rigging or anything like that. Anyway, that’s what you do on 22’ worth of boat. A Nereus (interesting and unique vessel that it is) is honkin’ big compared to my little windsurfer with a toaster oven, etc. Maybe in a full gale, you’d be reefing a sail. as you say. Or, just drop the mizzen.
Speaking of dropping the mizzen, look at this YouTube video. It shows a Freedom 44 with it’s main reefed and NO mizzen sail set. It is ROARING past a 48’ cutter with all sails set.
Ernie, I think I’ve seen that video before (can’t view it from work), and yes, it is a pretty sight to behold.
OK, I understood you correctly the first time. I have lines for one reef on the main (left by the previous owner), but I had the sail down for maintenance last year and did not replace the reef lines. I’ll say that I was waiting to pick up additional lines (second reef for the main, or at least first reef for the mizzen), but the reality is a little of that and a lot of lazy.
Previous owner also reefed by dropping the mizzen. He said they had the lines run but in 19 years of ownership had never once actually reefed the main.
Brian
SV Serenity
Nonsuch Nereus #003
Pax River, MD
Ernie is sensible reefing early at the dock and setting a second reef if necessary without shaking out the first reef. It is a tidy solution. Reefing early on the smaller Nonsuches reduces weather helm because the boat is better balanced and with less heel more sail area is presented to the wind so the reduced sail area does not impact speed that much but does increase comfort noticeably.
We have done this on several occasions, at least the first reef. If we thought a second reef was in order we’d reconsider the wind direction and course before committing to leaving. A second reef will run and reach but on the most of the Great Lake the wave motion will make going windward a chore .
Given a modest amount of practice two people can reef in very short order. I recall once coming out of the lee of Clapperton Island we headed up into a small bay to throw in a reef at the last moment as it was a good deal windier than anticipated in the open water ahead, Debbie stalled the boat into the wind, we coasted went 2 boat lengths, and we were off…
Practising at the dock then again in light air refines the process so when you need to do it in anger all the kicks in the process are resolved .
As John has stated reefing makes the boat sail more conformably and i many cases VMG will increase.
I have found, that rolling and tying up the bunt of the sail makes a big difference when reefed and going to windward. I have fixed bunt lines attached.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
