Builders' Forum Archives |
Re: Cool.
Posted by CLC on Aug 18, 2006
Interesting debate but a little academic. In boats this light, reefing under way is basically impossible. (Except with a roller furling jib, something I've had on boats this size and strongly endorse.)
A less costly and complicated solution than a row of reef points in the mainsail would be a strong boom vang. If you can flatten the mainsail enough, you can feather it in strong winds rather than reducing sail area. This is how racing dinghies have functioned in heavy air since Uffa Fox used that approach in International 14's in the 1920's.
If it really comes on to blow, then drop the mainsail and reach home under jib alone. Being proper Boatmen, you always sail upwind of home to permit a quick and safe return, of course.
In Response to: Cool. by CLC on Aug 17, 2006
