Did I mess up?

We are buying new sails this year - and they 're about done. We opted for 2 deep reefs in the main. Should we have gone for 3?

We will be sailing across oceans (starting with the Atlantic next year) and have plans to do some high latitude sailing in 3 or 4 years time. We do have a trisail and storm jib, so my rationale was we 'd reef the main to 47% on the second reef and then launch the trisail for stronger winds.

Good move or stupid?

Bill Balme

Hi Bill,

I agree about the niceness of doing reefing from the cockpit single handed and that when conditions dictate it is third reef time, it is “all hands on deck” or, at least, the four that are available.
And, yes, it is a good feeling when a plan comes together and you anticipate life on board will get incrementally easier and safer.
It is likely that Laurie could stay asleep for the third reef (maybe not the first time you try it) if you do the reef from a hove-to position (or slowly fore-reaching): The boat is flatter, less action and usually the motion is more comfortably predictable. Drop the sail past a predetermined (third reef) mark on the halyard, scoot up to secure the tack (the boat should just sit there for the time necessary) and then return to the cockpit to raise the halyard to the mark and firm up the clew. Done and dusted.
I write the above with the clarity that Laurie will likely join you in the setting of the third reef, but because there are single-handers who might benefit from our discussion. There are a hand-full of passage challenges that are more easily and safely accomplished from a hove-to position: a point of sail often neglected and un-practiced in this day and age.
My best, Dick