Reefing: When to Shorten Sail and Why It Saves Races (and Swims)
If your boat feels a bit out of control, you’re heeling too far, the helm feels heavy, or the crew has developed that wide-eyed look of mild panic… it might be time to reef.
Reefing means reducing the area of your sail, and it’s one of the most important safety and performance skills in sailing. Reef too late, and you risk losing control, capsizing, or simply exhausting your crew. Reef early, and you sail smoother, faster, and safer.
Why Reef at All?
Because full sails are designed for light-to-moderate winds. As wind speed increases, so does the pressure on your sails. Eventually, more sail becomes a liability — not a benefit.
Reefing:
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Reduces heeling
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Makes the helm lighter and more responsive
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Helps you point higher into the wind
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Keeps your boat flatter and faster
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Makes it much harder to capsize
When Should You Reef?
Rule of thumb:
If you’re thinking about reefing… reef.
More specifically:
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Before leaving the shore, if gusts are forecast above your comfort level
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When whitecaps appear and your boat becomes hard to steer
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If the boat is constantly rounding up into the wind (weather helm)
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If crew weight can’t keep the boat level
On a gusty river like the Thames, local wind shadows and gust funnels make reefing even more important. You might have a flat calm by the club but 22-knot gusts just around the bend.
How to Reef
It depends on your rig, but most dinghies can:
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Adjust the kicker and outhaul to flatten the sail
Practice reefing onshore or in light winds — you don’t want to learn during a squall.
A Real-Life Lesson
We once reefed our RS Toura in double-digit winds before a race.
Boats that didn’t reef? A few ended up on their side.
We didn’t win the race — but we stayed upright, dry(ish), and in control.
Reefing Is Not Just About Safety. It’s About Speed.
A flat, balanced boat is a faster boat. Reefing gives you control — and control gives you the ability to race smarter, not just harder.
📖 Learn more about river racing and sailing skills at:
https://pmrsailing.uk
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