Reefing my Main

[Scott MacCready]

I'm trying to figure out how to reef my main sail on my recently acquired CD25. The sail is set-up with a single reef. When I try to bring the reefing tack(am I naming it correctly?) down to attach to the hook at the gooseneck at the forward end of the boom, it doesn't reach. The only way I can see to make it reach is to remove the 3-4 sail slides from the mast track that are between the two tack grommets. This doesn't seem like it should be necessary. Am I missing something here? Thanks, Scott



scottmacc@coastalnet.com

[Keith]

I'm trying to figure out how to reef my main sail on my recently acquired CD25. The sail is set-up with a single reef. When I try to bring the reefing tack(am I naming it correctly?) down to attach to the hook at the gooseneck at the forward end of the boom, it doesn't reach. The only way I can see to make it reach is to remove the 3-4 sail slides from the mast track that are between the two tack grommets. This doesn't seem like it should be necessary. Am I missing something here? Thanks, Scott

Scott: Improvise, try this until you learn a better method: run a line throught the eye and tie loop and knot on each side of the sail large enough so the line won't pull through the eye, line should be long enough to reach to hook. once hooked pull halyard tight and cleat, should work provided the reefing point is properly positioned when you accomplish this.



kwoodlaw@arkansas.net

[Dave]

scott,
I have a 25 also and it sounds like you have a deep reef in your main. I know on my boat you have to take the sail out of the sail track to be able to pull the sails down to the boom as close as you can get it. From there just pull the sail as tight as you can get it for a better shape and a hall her back up.

Dave D

I'm trying to figure out how to reef my main sail on my recently acquired CD25. The sail is set-up with a single reef. When I try to bring the reefing tack(am I naming it correctly?) down to attach to the hook at the gooseneck at the forward end of the boom, it doesn't reach. The only way I can see to make it reach is to remove the 3-4 sail slides from the mast track that are between the two tack grommets. This doesn't seem like it should be necessary. Am I missing something here? Thanks, Scott

ddsailor25@ureach.com

[Jim Myers]

This was one of the reasons I added a Tides Strong Mast track. It slides into the original luff groove and the mast and the sail with added slugs that fit the track goes into it. The sail goes up and down easily and reefs easily without the problem you are having.

I'm trying to figure out how to reef my main sail on my recently acquired CD25. The sail is set-up with a single reef. When I try to bring the reefing tack(am I naming it correctly?) down to attach to the hook at the gooseneck at the forward end of the boom, it doesn't reach. The only way I can see to make it reach is to remove the 3-4 sail slides from the mast track that are between the two tack grommets. This doesn't seem like it should be necessary. Am I missing something here? Thanks, Scott

jmyers@styluscentral.com

[JimL]

I use a cunningham hook on a small block. One end of the line is secured to the side of the mast, the other end cleats on a track cleat. I have enough line that I can take the hook out of the cunningham hole (at tack), reach up and hook into the forward reef hole. This works really well because you have very good control to pull the main down while easing the halyard. I can get the forward reef set very quickly without having to "work" at the halyard. Also, I drop the boom over the lifeline, with mainsheet set to keep it from swinging further, then pull my rear reef line up (it is run through eyelets along the side of the boom...everything is done at the mast). The ties are easy once the boom is sheeted back in. This method is used going to windward on the jib, with tiller held by a shock cord (usually sail by myself).

JimL, CD25 #21, Odyssey III, Dana Point, CA



leinfam@earthlink.net