What is Jiffy reefing?

Jiffy Reefing allows an entire “slab” to be quickly removed from the mainsail to reduce sail area and power in “heavy-air” conditions. The mainsheet and halyard eased, Jiffy Reefing lines pull the aft reef grommet tight to the boom while a separate reef line attached to the forward reef grommet is then tightened.

What is a reefing line in sailing?

Reefing is the means of reducing the area of a sail, usually by folding or rolling one edge of the canvas in on itself. The converse operation, removing the reef, is called “shaking it out.” Reefing allows the carrying of partial sail in strong winds, and is the primary safety precaution in rough weather.

What does reefing mean?

reefed; reefing; reefs. Definition of reef (Entry 2 of 3) transitive verb. 1 : to reduce the area of (a sail) by rolling or folding a portion. 2 : to lower or bring inboard (a spar) wholly or partially.

How do reefing lines work?

There are two common methods of single-line reefing. The reefing line is then led from the cockpit to the mast foot, up to the boom, around the forward block on the plate, back to a turning block forward, then up to a cringle or block and down again to terminate to a fixed anchor point on the mast or boom.

How does slab reefing work?

With the common slab reefing system, reefing is fairly simple, though it’s a skill that requires some practice. The basic steps are: Turn the boat toward the wind and ease the mainsheet to reduce pressure on the sail. While slowly easing the main halyard, take in the reefing control line.

How long should reefing lines be?

Mooring lines and anchor rode For mooring lines we advise to take one-and-a-half times the boat length. Of course, this also depends on your personal preference. Often you would have at least two mooring lines of one-and-a-half times the boat length and two mooring lines of one boat length on board.

What is reefing the main?

Reducing the Main Sail. The area of the mainsail is reduced by a technique called reefing. This is much easier than changing the sail. Reefing is done by lowering the mainsail, establishing a new tack and clew using control lines, and hoisting the mainsail again with the bottom part no longer exposed to the wind.

What is Reef slang for?

reef v. to use (excessive) force, especially when hitting, pulling, or twisting (on something).

What is a lazy jack system for sailing?

Lazy jacks are networks of lines that are rigged along each side of the mainsail from multiple points on the boom or a stack pack to a point on the mast just above the spreaders, at about 60% the mast’s height. Their purpose is to hold the mainsail on top of the boom when it is lowered.

What size should reefing lines be?

I’d go with 5/16″ or 3/8″ diameter for the reefing lines, and 1/4″ or 5/16″ for the nettles (reef ties).

What is a slab reefing mainsail?

Slab reefing is intended for use on boats where the halyards are left at the mast. This system also uses just one line per reef; but this line is only responsible for the out-board/clew-end reef. Typically the in-board/tack-end is then reefed separately either. via Reefing Hook (see picture) or Cunningham.

Where does the jiffy reefing line go on a boat?

In the picture below, the fairlead is mounted horizontally on the mast. I later rotated it counter-clockwise about 30 degrees to reduce friction on the line when it’s reefed. Jiffy reefing line leading down the mast through a fairlead to the deck (boom lowered for clarity).

What’s the best way to reef a jiffy Reefer?

Pull the line toward the mast with one hand while you simultaneously pull the standing end of the reefing line with your other hand. Continue hauling the reefing line this way until the leech cringle is as low as it will go. It should only take a few pulls and then you can cleat off the reefing line.

How big is the rope for jiffy reefing?

45′ x 1/4″ New England Ropes Sta Set rope or equivalent, less if it will not be led aft to the cockpit (4) small regular eye straps & (8) #10 x 1/2″ stainless steel pan head tapping screws (1) small fairlead eye strap & (2) #10 x 1/2″ stainless steel pan head tapping screws