| Sometimes even the best sailors will be unable to | | | | The main is reduced first by clipping the second hole |
| control their boat in such strong weather, whether the | | | | up (above the cunningham), next to the mast to a clip |
| boat in question is the largest yacht or the smallest | | | | on the boom. Then the sail usually has bits of rope on |
| dinghy. | | | | it. Using a reefing knot (left over right and then right |
| So there is an option available to us: Reefing. | | | | over left), connect the first two tightly and the third |
| Reefing is reducing the sail area of a boat. On single | | | | loosely (as it usually goes over the sheet covering the |
| handlers this usually means just the main, but on the | | | | mainsheet). |
| two sail boats the genoa can be replaced by a storm | | | | Finally at the other end of the boom you should be |
| gib in seriously windy weather. | | | | able pull the back end of the sail down, finishing the |
| For single handlers the sail can usually be reefed by | | | | reef. And to conclude the reef, make sure it is nicely |
| simply not taking all the sail out or by wrapping it a few | | | | put away so that it is all packed away and will not |
| times around the main and is the simplest way to | | | | interfere with the aerodynamics of the sail. |
| reduce the sail area and if the boat also has a small | | | | Of course I wouldn't advise reefing in a hurricane, |
| gib, just don't put it on. | | | | instead you shouldn't go out. If you don't feel that you |
| On larger two sail boats it is usually more difficult as it | | | | are competent in a certain wind even with a reef, don't |
| needs a front sail to create a Slot (see my exclusive | | | | go out or go out with someone who you trust is more |
| article from June) to help wind get around the mainsail. | | | | experienced than you. |
| So a storm gib may be used. | | | | Don't take risks! |