SEATTLE Sailing Club Fearful Symmetry J 80, Quick Start Manual, Page: 22 / 34

22
Reefing the main
When the wind forecast calls for strong winds or you feel uncomfortable in the current conditions,
reefing the main sail is a good option to decrease the boats power. Remember, it is always easier to
put a reef in at the dock than it is while out in high winds. The main is slab-reefed and has a single
reef point. The Cunningham doubles as a reefing hook at the tack. The clew reef should be run to
the reef point and back to the boom and secured with a stopper knot through the pad eye. The reef
runs through a sheave at the end of the boom and forward inside the boom to a clutch at the
gooseneck. See diagram below.
Important: Before leaving the dock make sure you have a reef-able sail and the reef lines are run
through reef grommets then tied with a stopper through the padeye on the starboard aft end of the
boom. See diagram and pictures. Make sure to never pull the reefing line into the boom. To avoid
this, make sure the reefing line is attached through the sail to the boom, or has a stopper knot on the
end of it. (See pix) Let SSC staff know if you would like further explanation.
Remember!
Be careful when tying reef ties not to over secure and cause damage to the sail. If
unnatural “V” creases appear, ease lines slightly to avoid tearing sail at these points. Also,
Do Not over tighten the reefing line! If you see creases, ease so as not to rip out the grommet.
Reefing Diagram
Steps to Reefing the Main:
1) Let wind out of main (head upwind, sheet out or heave-to)
2) Ease main sheet and boom vang
3) Ease halyard to desired reef point and hook reef hook into cringle
4) Re-tension halyard (boom will lower/rise during this process)
5) Tighten reefing line until new clew is touching boom and pulling as outhaul
6) Finally, run ties through mid-sail to secure pocket.