Third reef in mainsail

[ronkberg]

That little avitar bug is all I needed to see after hearing about the major infestation of bed bugs up around Lewiston, Maine. Honestly, I swear that those little creatures are crawling around in my hair..........YIKES!!!

[SeaBelle]

In recent years I've been crew on a Sabre 45 sloop. Early on we were sailing from St. John, VI to Kittery, ME by way of Bermuda. On the Bermuda to Kittery leg we had days of 35 - 40kn winds gusting to over 50. The main had 3 reefs was only rigged for 2. With a double reef tied in we used the first reefing line to rig the 3rd reef and then tucked it in. This was magical with 3 reefs and the jib reefed to handkerchief size we sailed well balanced and comfortable at 6.5 - 7kn. I was amazed at how comfortable we were (even when slamming to into the sea ahead).

When we returned the owner had proper rigging installed for the 3rd reef. After a season or two we found the 3rd reef line a nuisance while coastal sailing and now keep it coiled at the mast but ready to rig before it is needed.