TASK · RIGGING & SAILS

Reef a Mainsail Safely in Heavy Wind

Single-line and traditional reefing technique for mainsails in heavy weather. Covers timing, helm coordination, luff and leech reefing lines, slab vs. jiffy reefing, and shaking out a reef.

Videos9DifficultyintermediateAvg time5–15 minutes per reefRiskhigh

★ Community Top Pick · #1 of 9  ·  Ranked by outcomes

Taking a Reef Downwind in 30 knots - R2AK

4:02

#1

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Taking a Reef Downwind in 30 knots - R2AK

Nathalie Criou

Satchel and Tanguy took a reef in our main as it looked like the wind was increasing and might reach 35 gusting 40. In the end we didn't see this so after a couple of hours, we shook the reef out. The wind stabilized around 28 knots gusting 32 and the full main did a good job at getting the boat on good surf. The reef lowered the boat's ability to surf which ultimately loaded the rig more. Nat driving.

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#2

1:18

How to Lower a Headsail in High Winds

Captain John's Skipper Tips

Imagine sailing in a gusty breeze and choppy seas. You need to lower the jib or change to a storm sail before the weather worsens. And, do it while sailing shorthanded! Watch this video to learn a little-known technique that will make this challenge safer and easier. Captain John with 25+ years of experience shows you the no-nonsense cruising skills you need for safer sailing worldwide. Visit his website at https://www.skippertips.com and sign up for his highly popular Sailing Tip of the Week.

#3

1:20

Heavy Air Mainsail Reef

Neil Fider

Quick mainsail reef in 25 to 30 knots of sustained wind. on a J30 on Lake Pepin in Minnesota.

All 9 videos.

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DIFFICULTY

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Video

Outcomes

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Reefing Mainsail in Heavy Weather - SailingApp

SailingApp · 1:44

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finished

How to Depower Your Sailboat in Heavy Weather

Captain John's Skipper Tips · 2:10

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finished

Reefing a Catamaran for Strong Winds

Multihull Central · 1:29

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finished

Reefing in 20-knot gusts #sailing

Toby Goes Sailing · 0:26

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finished

How to Reef a Mainsail in Heavy Weather — Technique Guide

Sailing with Alex · 18:00

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finished

Reefing at Sea — Heavy Weather Mainsail Handling

— · 14:06

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finished