Slab Reefing a C29
Written by Geoff
Wednesday, 26 January 2011 06:04
Slab Reefing a Compass
I was recently asked about how I reef on Maeling by C29 Mando owner Maurice. It so happens, the next day I was sailing solo up to the Harbour. Well Maurice Jonah'd me. Glorious day for a sail but the Nor' Easter piped in early and I elected to double reef to ease the helm and the heel as I was on the wind. Also, when solo, I like to avoid the foredeck where I can, so didn't want to go up again later.
Now Maeling is a stock 1980's rig with no in the cockpit single line reefing or headsail reefing. So she is a bit stoneage.
My routine: Before going to sea, rig the reefing leech lines and put the small winch handle in the mast pocket
Set the boat up on starboard tack under headsail with the main eased and under autopilot (Most Compass' with slab reefing are set up to reef on Port Tack - that leaves you without right of way while you may be having difficulties in a blow)
Check topping lift is near tight and vang is off
Clip the harness to the jackstay to go for'ard
With back against the aft lower, remove the trackslide gate pin, uncleat the halyard and pull the sail down (removing as many slides as necessary) until the reefing eye will engage the reefing horn.
Hoist up the sail with the winch very taut for a strong breeze and replace the gate pin.
Probably bring the mainsheet on a little to reduce flogging and stop the boom flapping
Get the correct leech line, put it on the boom outhaul winch and pull the clew out tight
In the cockpi,t sheet in the main to get the boat balanced and sailing
Decide if it is going to be a long tack and whether the bunt on the foot really needs to be tied in
Get the continuous laid rope line, thread through the clew and under the boom and back through the eye in the other end, pull tight, then thread the buntline through the reefing eye, under the boom and through the next reefing eyelet. Check all is tight and finally cleat off on the for'ard end of the boom.
Check the topping lift is free and the vang on
Sail on!
Accompanying this, are six photos in the Galleries/Detail album - off the main page
Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 January 2011 06:35