Reefing lines for 25D

[Bill]

Hello to all

I just saw a post re typhoon reefing, and thought I would seek some advice on reefing my 25D. The boat came to me with hardware on the boom for a line that controlled the first reef in the main. All I have to do is go to the mast lower the main, place the reef tack on the rams horn, pull the reefing line that prings the reef clew down, then tie the foot of the sail.

My problem is I want to add a line for the second reef. Should I just copy the existing rigging on the opposite side of the boom? Is there an easier way to rig the reef tack to make that task easier? Any thoughts/recommendations would appreciated.

Bill
S/V Rhapsody



willie@clnk.com

[Lee H. Hodsdon]

Hello to all

I just saw a post re typhoon reefing, and thought I would seek some advice on reefing my 25D. The boat came to me with hardware on the boom for a line that controlled the first reef in the main. All I have to do is go to the mast lower the main, place the reef tack on the rams horn, pull the reefing line that prings the reef clew down, then tie the foot of the sail.

My problem is I want to add a line for the second reef. Should I just copy the existing rigging on the opposite side of the boom? Is there an easier way to rig the reef tack to make that task easier? Any thoughts/recommendations would appreciated.

Bill
S/V Rhapsody

Bill,

I am making preparations to install the second reefing line you mentioned. My plan is to mount a turning block forward of the existing one for the first reef (starboard side of the boom). I was going to mount it just above the centerline and forward of the existing block. It will be about 6" aft of the second reef clew cringle (Try saying that fast a couple of times!) to allow the foot of the sail to be tensioned. The line will then run through three or four guides to the clam cleat near the gooseneck. Hope this makes sense.

One more thing. I took the time this winter to move the main and jib halyard winches from the mast to the cabin top. This makes single handing much simpler, and allows adjustment of halyard tension from the cockpit. I know, I know, it's not a J24, but I like to sail as fast and efficiently as possible.

Best of luck and fair winds,

Lee



lhodsdon@nh.ultranet.com

[Don Sargeant]

If you're going to set the reef while under sail you may need some mechanical advantage at both the clew and tack. A two:one block will be adequate. The biggest problem is that you have a bunch of line to cleat when the reef is set.

cheerz,
dps

Hello to all

I just saw a post re typhoon reefing, and thought I would seek some advice on reefing my 25D. The boat came to me with hardware on the boom for a line that controlled the first reef in the main. All I have to do is go to the mast lower the main, place the reef tack on the rams horn, pull the reefing line that prings the reef clew down, then tie the foot of the sail.

My problem is I want to add a line for the second reef. Should I just copy the existing rigging on the opposite side of the boom? Is there an easier way to rig the reef tack to make that task easier? Any thoughts/recommendations would appreciated.

Bill
S/V Rhapsody

Bill,

I am making preparations to install the second reefing line you mentioned. My plan is to mount a turning block forward of the existing one for the first reef (starboard side of the boom). I was going to mount it just above the centerline and forward of the existing block. It will be about 6" aft of the second reef clew cringle (Try saying that fast a couple of times!) to allow the foot of the sail to be tensioned. The line will then run through three or four guides to the clam cleat near the gooseneck. Hope this makes sense.

One more thing. I took the time this winter to move the main and jib halyard winches from the mast to the cabin top. This makes single handing much simpler, and allows adjustment of halyard tension from the cockpit. I know, I know, it's not a J24, but I like to sail as fast and efficiently as possible.

Best of luck and fair winds,

Lee

Don@cliggott.com

[Bruce Barber]

Hello to all

I just saw a post re typhoon reefing, and thought I would seek some advice on reefing my 25D. The boat came to me with hardware on the boom for a line that controlled the first reef in the main. All I have to do is go to the mast lower the main, place the reef tack on the rams horn, pull the reefing line that prings the reef clew down, then tie the foot of the sail.

My problem is I want to add a line for the second reef. Should I just copy the existing rigging on the opposite side of the boom? Is there an easier way to rig the reef tack to make that task easier? Any thoughts/recommendations would appreciated.

Bill
S/V Rhapsody

Lee has it right. Be sure that you have the new cheek block aft of the clew cringle position by 6 or 8 inches, not directly below it, otherwise you won't get sufficient tension in the foot. And keep all the hardware on the same side because there will be times when you'll want access to both outhaul lines. As a final comment, I suggest reg



bbarber38@aol.com

[kevin aubuchon]

Hello to all

One more thing. I took the time this winter to move the main and jib halyard winches from the mast to the cabin top. This makes single handing much simpler, and allows adjustment of halyard tension from the cockpit. I know, I know, it's not a J24, but I like to sail as fast and efficiently as possible.

Best of luck and fair winds,

Lee

There's nothing wrong with sailing fast or efficiently. Some cruisers (not all) have the idea anything speed or race related is bad. I think all cruisers should race for a season. You don't have to be a Dennis Conner type to race. The main benefit for me was not winning (I didn't) but becoming a better sailor. This included learning boat handling under sail, sail trimming, balancing the helm, pointing jsut a little bit highter, and many other aspects of sailing.

Let the racing diehards yell and scream - just have fun!

Regards,
kevin aubuchon



kaubuchon@primary.net

[Bruce Barber]

Sorry, my "final comment" got lost. Here it is. I suggest regular horned cleats on the boom, not clam cleats, so you can "swig" the line tight. In other words, hook the line around the cleat and pull it down with the right hand, then pull outwards on the line aft of the cleat with the left hand - this applies the real tension - and then "catch" the slack with the right hand. Do this a few times, and you'll have the clew right down to the boom. No need for a tackle, at least not on a main the size of a 25D's. Another advantage of the horned cleat is that you have some place to hang a coil of extra line.

Happy reefing,

Bruce Barber
CD25D Nancy Dawson



bbarber38@aol.com