Slab Reefing

I am a believer in slab reefing - I think it is quicker and easier. It also gives you an ideal sail shape whereas rolling reefing does not. The key is that the new foot of the sail gets pulled taut and that gives a flatter and lower powered sail. When you roll, the sail gets smaller but not flatter.

Steps are: (in the photo we hove to, but you don't have to do that)

1. Ease mainsheet, ease halyard
2. Pull down new tack
3. Pull out new clew
4. Done
5. Tidy up by tying reef points - there must be no tension at all on them!
6. Broad reaching away

-- Gord Laco, #426, Surprise

photos by Ken Woods, used with permission

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