i think i have half a clue on the concept of downhaul and reef points (i probably don't).
would one of you boffins like to take the time to explain the merits and fine points on (heaps of downhaul) and i would love to know how the pulley's are numbered. ie 3-1 haul. which pulley is the 1, which are the 3, do doubles change the ratio??.
cheers mark
Downhaul; is the tension down on the front (luff) of the sail. By pulling down it moves the moves the curve of the sail forward and helps flatten the sail. Land yachts use a much flatter sail than water yachts due to the speed they travel.
Try with a small piece of cloth (handkerchief), tension just one side of the cloth and see what happens to the shape.
Pulley blocks set ups vary from yacht to yacht the bigger the ratio the easier it will be to pull the sail in and easier on the hands ... but you use more rope to do it and it is slower to pull the sail on.
This might describe it better than I can.
science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/pulley.htm
