Reefing – Shortening Sails for a Breezy Day

 

Reefing – Shortening Sails for a Breezy Day

Because full sail + full wind = full drama

With a gusty weekend on the forecast, now’s a good time to talk about reefing — that all-important skill that separates the boat that stays upright… from the one doing capsizes in stereo.

If you’re new to sailing, reefing just means reducing your sail area to match the conditions. You make the sail smaller, the boat calmer, and yourself a lot less likely to end up in the river.

---

🌬️ Why Reef?

Simple answer: control.

When the wind picks up, a full sail can be too powerful for your boat (and your nerves). The boat heels too much, becomes hard to steer, and starts dragging its boom through the riverbank.

By reefing:

• You reduce the force on the boat

• Make steering easier

• Avoid broaches, involuntary swims, and boom-induced head trauma

💡 Reef before you need to. It’s much easier to shake out a reef than to recover from a surprise capsize.

---

⛵ How to Reef (in Brief)

Every boat is different, but the basics go like this:

1. Know Your Points

• First reef – for when it’s getting a bit lively

• Second reef – for when it’s starting to howl

• Third reef – for when you question your life choices

2. Reefing the Mainsail

• Drop the sail slightly

• Re-attach to the lower reefing cringle (look at you, learning the lingo)

• Tighten down the clew and tack

• Re-tension the halyard

• Adjust outhaul and kicker as needed

3. Jib Options

• Swap to a smaller jib

• Or roll/furl it if you’re lucky enough to have a furler

---

⚓ When to Reef?

• If you’re thinking about it, do it

• If the wind’s above 10–12 knots and building

• If the boom starts dipping ominously close to the water

• If other boats are reefing, or upside-down

• If your crew is giving you that “I’d rather be on shore” look

---

🎯 This Weekend Looks Breezy…

The forecast is looking lively — perfect conditions for:

• Reefing before launching

• Practising depowering the sails

• Impressing the riverbank spectators with your smoothly conservative rigging choices

And remember — it’s not a race if you’re swimming. (Unless it’s a very odd kind of race.)

---

Final Thought

Reefing isn’t about cowardice — it’s about good seamanship. It’s about being prepared, staying in control, and making sure your boat finishes the session drier than you do.

So if it looks windy this weekend?
Reef early, reef right, and sail happy.

📖 More tips and gear guides at:
👉 https://pmrsailing.uk/sailing-lessons/Reefing-the-Sails.html