Once you’ve got your reefs set up, sew or whip markers onto the reefing lines to get the right tension every time. Is the deck nonslip still rough enough and do the crew have adequate footwear? When considering a boat and sail reduction, it is best to start with safety in mind.Īre guard rails set up properly with a rope connection at the cockpit end so they can be cut if needs be?
It pays to put your nose in the air, bum in the saddle and tune in. The numbers had blanketed both the power of the wind and waves. The subdued Dutchman suffered a broken rib, the yacht had extensive damage including a broken frame and the mast was barely standing. The Mayday came in later that day the lifeboat was damaged by a knockdown during the callout. Try as I might he just wasn’t for turning. My heart sank at his bombastic reply: ‘I’ve handled stronger winds than these.’ Knowing the waters I warned him that perhaps he consider delaying for 12 hours as the density of cold air gives teeth to the wind up here. He was about to set off on the next leg of the two-handed round Britain race and there was a nasty gale in the offing. I am reminded of an experienced skipper swaggering down to a strong aluminium 40ft Dutch yacht in the Outer Hebrides.
Photo: Pete Gossĭuring the British Steel Challenge I recorded every sail change and found that we could carry head sails in warm dry Mediterranean conditions in up to 15 knots more wind speed than in wet heavy airs farther north. Reefing should be like changing gears, not a stressful last resort. It’s no good sailing by wind speed alone because the numbers can be way off the mark, and wind strengths will feel different in varying seasons and climates. No matter how conservatively we passage plan, even on short trips, there will always be a blow that needs to be dealt with, and preparation is the answer in both training and equipment.Īs a starting point, you should get to know your boat intimately so that she can talk to you in her own language, be it through motion, creeks or the kick of the helm. It’s the first reef that settles the nerves as you mentally brace for the storm that’s soon to come. The decision to make that first of many reductions, followed by the attendant battle to actually get the reef in, is when the initiative is wrestled from the increasingly threatening conditions back to the crew. The easier, more upright motion often helps increase the speed, loads are reduced and the crew imbued with confidence.
There is nothing more rewarding when you reef than to feel a boat’s relief as she settles comfortably to a rising wind and sea.
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