Jiffy reefing is by far the best for weekend sailing. I even put it on my
14
foot AFC Neptune. On my Challenger, I was able to add a small bullet block to
the clew downhaul right where it exits the turning block at the end of the
boom. The cringle already gives a 2:1 and the bullet block adds another 2:1.
This only works on the first reef. The second reef evolves too much line if
you are cleating off at the near end of the boom. (Besides, when it is
time
for the second reef, things are wet enough that friction is somewhat abated.)
I have two hooks bolted on at the gooseneck for the tack cringles.
Bruce
Challenger # 74
Wow, by the time I'm needing a second reef I know it's time to find the
nearest
shelter...hopefully with a floating beverage establishment. I'm too old?? for
that kind of sailing anymore :)
Gerry :)
Gerry, you'd be surprised byt the occasions when the second reef is
needed.... With my Navico TP100, when the wind is on the quarter at
about 15 knots, it will only steer the boat adequately with two reefs in
the main and full genoa (and my two reefs are equivalent to three reefs
as normally installed). It's all a question of balance ofthe sails when
you use an autopilot....
john
pampero iv
As far as the clew reefing line is concerned, I've up to now operated
with a 4 to 1 tackle made fast at the gooseneck of Pampero that catches
an eye on the reeefing line. But that involves going a bit aft to attach
the tackle and the line can't be as thick as I want because the eye has
to pass in the cringle and the cheek block easily. So I shall now change
to a thicker braid line which I'll winch on the unused genoa halyard
winch. I'll install two clamcleats on the boom, aft of the cleats to
take the strain whilst I take the line off the winch and make it fast to
the cleat (never trust a cleam cleat....). This will work fine for the
dirst reef which comes on the starboard side of the boom as the winch is
on the same side (I can see some of you guys raising your eyebrows at
that, but I'm righthanded and like to see what I'm doing...), but a
problem might arise with the second reef on the port side, in wgich
casse I may have to install a fairlead near the goosenceck. Of course, I
could install two dedicated winches on the boom, but I'm averse to
fattening Mr Lewmar's purse....
john
pamero iv