Main sail reefing question.

Posted By: Paul Germain, 2023 C
Date: 6/5/08 8:16a.m.

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I tried to roll up the mainsail a bit in some heavy winds a couple of days ago. This was my first time to try it. I immediately noticed the following problem: As I came to the batten during the lowering process, I could not get the batten to go far enough back on the boom. The batten (and sail) was pushing forward of the boom, pressing firmly against the mast. This prevented the mainsail from fully switching sides during tacking. I could not roll the main anymore because of the batten portion jutting into the mast. Thus, I had to reef the main only to the point where the batten was just above the sail slot opening. Fortunately, the wind was not so strong as to require further reefing. But, what do you do when it is? How do you get the sailing to lower in the proper position along the boom in high wind situations - even in just 10 mph winds?