Reefing and Sails

[Dave V]

I have a P26 OD and have a question when reefing. What type of ties do people use for the middle gromets on the reef points?

Also, I want to replace the main sail. I started looking at sailmaker websites and was a little confused with what would work best for a decent cruising sail. Any suggestions?

I'm primarily going to be using the boat for coastal cruising and on the Long Island Sound.

Thanks,
Dave

[bolichj]

Hello Dave,

I'm also a P26 owner in the San Francisco area and have seen decent sails come off the shelf from a place in Monterrey http://thesailwarehouse.com

They're pretty good for stock production boats and have a pretty good description on their site about different grades of sails and features. You can either browse the stock they have on hand by boat type, or specify a sail you want made.

Good luck with the search.

John Bolich

[joelgn2]

I have had both short lengths of nylon 3-strand and white elastic line. The shock cord (no end fittings)was a little easier to secure in a bouncy high wind situation. both were secure.

Pokelogan, Bristol, RI

[Faster]

In practice it's rarely necessary to tie off those middle reef points at all unless the fold of the reef actually interferes with equipment, crew or visibility. Certainly only use them to gather the reef loosely, DO NOT cinch them tight, especially if you put the reef in before hoisting the sail. The loads are all taken at the tack and clew.

[Pamlicotraveler]

Originally Posted by Faster

In practice it's rarely necessary to tie off those middle reef points at all unless the fold of the reef actually interferes with equipment, crew or visibility. Certainly only use them to gather the reef loosely, DO NOT cinch them tight, especially if you put the reef in before hoisting the sail. The loads are all taken at the tack and clew.

I'm glad to hear that because that what I have always done. If I were in a real messy triple reef thing I guess I might tie it with a rope loosely just to keep it from floppoing around, but I have never thought of them as designed as stress absorbing reef points.

[rrollins]

If ties through the grommets are used to gather and secure the reefed sail be sure to also tie an earring at the new (reefed) clew. The earring will hold if the reef line fails and will thus keep the main from tearing itself at the grommets (which are not designed to handle the loads). I rarely use ties on my reefed main but when I do the earring is added also.