Reefing - Efficiently, quickly, and EARLY

7:03 AM Sun 9 May 2010 GMT

'Figure 1' .

If your boat is overpowered, it is slower because it is heeling too much. Excess heeling increases leeway and reduces the efficiency of your boat's keel and rudder. The boat goes slower because the rudder is fighting increased weather helm. To get the boat back under control, sail area has to be reduced. There are two options for reducing sail area: change to a smaller genoa or reduce the size of the main by reefing. Changing to a smaller genoa can be quicker if you have furlers, but if the wind continues to rise you may still have to address ...

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by Adam Loory, UK-Halsey Sailmakers/Nancy Knudsen