Reefing a Nordica 16
The Nordica 16 is generally equipped with roller reefing through a spring-loaded boom. However in practise using this feature is difficult, especially if it is necessary to reef while underway. Rolling the leech of the sail around the boom requires constant adjustment in order to retain sail shape.
In order to remedy these deficiencies Strait Rhumb has been fitted with a two-line reefing system and this page describes how it is fitted and how reefing is done. A one-line system using additional blocks is also an option for the Nordica.
While these photos are mainly taken at dockside the procedure can be accomplished in about 30 - 30 seconds while underway, even when close-hauled in a stiff breeze. Laying to with a backwinded jib is also an option. I have placed lines so that they are best accessed while on starboard tack.
A properly reefed sail should have almost the same sail shape as the normal full main.
The set-up
The aft line runs from a fitting (not seen here) which is on the boom almost directly below the location of the reefing cringle on the sail. The line passes through the sail and back down to a block located just aft of the clew of the main. The line is then led forward to a clam cleat on the starboard side of the boom.
Boom vang has been removed for clarity.
The forward line is tied to the lower side of the boom using the boom downhaul and then is led through the forward reef cringle and back down toward the boom. Normally this line flies free so it does not tangle with other fittings. The line needs to be long enough so that it can be easily grasped from the cockpit.
If the port mast cleat is not otherwise used it could be used an alternate to the boom down-haul for the port end of ther forward reefing line.
Forward reefing line (port view). Note the sail slide stopped just above the sail feed slot on the mast. This prevents the sail from dropping out of the track while reefing.
Sail before reefing
Detail of reefing line. Normally slack is taken out of line while sailing. Loosened her to show detail.
Reefing the main
To reef, first allow slack in main sheet. This spills the wind and takes pressure off the sail as well as allowing the boom to move upwards. Then tighten aft reefing line. If you have a boom vang make sure this is released as it will not allow the boom to lift. Tightening the line will raise the aft of the boom in the air and bring the boom up to meet the aft reefing cringle. Note that tension on the sail is kept both down and out.
The main halyard is then relaxed (not simply released) and the forward cringle pulled down to the boom. This is the trickiest part of the operation as it may be necessary to handle both the halyard and the forward reefing line at the same time.
Note that as the main is lowered the boom levels out. It is useful to keep the boom as close as possible to the bottom of the sail feed in the mast so that there is not too big a gap between the bottom slug and the boom. A slug lock keeps the sail slugs from dropping into the sail feed.
Forward reefing line is pulled down bringing the forward reefing cringle down to meet or almost meet the mast. Because I have set up halyards using Spinlock power cleats on the cabin top the mast cleat is available to be used to cleat the reefing line.
Note that the reefing lines in the body of the sail are not tied at this point. The purpose of these lines is to simply gather the excess sail and snug it to the boom so that it doed not capture wind and balloon. They are not used to give the sail shape and there should be relatively little tension on thes lines! Sail shape is maintained by the fore and aft reefing lines.
Closer view of forward reefing line.
If the lowering of the sail is done properly it should not be necessary to re-hoist it in order to give proper sail shape.
The completed reef
Completed reefing from port side. Note how excess sail is bunched on boom and held by the reefing lines.
The reef lines are tied neatly with a reef knot.
Adjustments may have to be made to the topping lift if one is in use. The main sheet can now be adjusted for sailing.