Want to sail faster? 3 Reasons Why Reefing Can Transform Your Boat's Performance and Stability.

 

Putting a reef in your sails can have a profound impact on boatspeed. 

If you’re interested in getting the most from your boat, this article should help you understand why reducing sail area can dramatically improve your boat’s performance, control, and safety.

This applies whether you sail a 19ft daysailer, or a 50ft bluewater cruiser.

Reason #1: Reducing your sail area can improve Performance.

Reefing is all about optimising your sail area to match the conditions. 

When a boat is overpowered, it not only becomes more difficult to control but also slows down significantly. Excessive heeling leads to increased leeway and reduces the efficiency of the boat's keel and rudder, resulting in decreased speed. 

The underwater profile of your boat when it is sailing upright follows a set of nicely designed curves. 

Now heel the boat over and those beautiful lines change. One side has a deep curve with increased surface area and the other side has a nearly straight line. This will always lead to the boat trying to 'round-up' or turn into the wind.

To counteract this, the helmsman must steer against it, further slowing the boat down. This is known as weather helm.

To regain control and improve performance, sail area needs to be reduced. 

To fully benefit from reefing, it's also crucial to ensure that the reef outhaul and halyard are tensioned tightly. Bar tight. Loose controls lead to a fuller sail, which exacerbates heeling in strong winds. By tightening the reef outhaul and halyard, the sail flattens, reducing heeling and improving overall performance. 

Short chop, the sort we get in the English Channel can kill boatspeed. Reefing your genoa will lighten the bow and stop your nose becoming buried.

Reason #2: Protecting your rigging and sails.

It may feel exhilarating to be heeled over, gunwales awash and spray soaking the crew, but the reality is that other, properly reefed boats, will gently overhaul you and sail away, whilst you shorten the lifespan of your boat's gear. 

Having to feather the mainsail, and allowing it to flog in gusts, defies logic when you could tuck in a reef, lower the traveller and keep the boat on its feet. This will both reduce leeway and improve your boat's speed.

Reason #3: Protecting your crew.

When the wind increases so do the loads on the sheets and halyards. 

Standing on the cabin top with the mainsail flogging can make it challenging to secure the reef tack onto the hook.  A boat that's struggling to cope with conditions  is much more unstable and consequently, less safe for your crew. Particularly if they are less experienced. If things go wrong, problems can take time to resolve. It's much better on your crew to take a proactive approach to reefing.

A more stable boat helps prevent seasickness.  Miserable crew equals a miserable skipper.

A recent article from Yachting Monthly had the following to say about the new GT325.

"Steven Jones (the designer) suggested we would be quicker with a couple of roles in the main as a wind continued to build.

While the helm remained light and keeping the boat on her feet was no great challenge, we were inevitably sailing along in an increasingly fine line.

Life became easier with less area in the mainsail and we were faster too: our speed picked up from mid - 5's to high - 5's."

So reefing isn't just about reducing the sail area because it's too windy!

Understanding that reefing is a dynamic process informed by the way the boat feels, the conditions and the sea state is the key. The art of reefing is predictive, intuitive and proactive.  

It can definitely make your boat go faster!

Tips:

• Practice reefing in calmer conditions first to become proficient before tackling strong winds.
• Regularly inspect your sail and reefing gear for wear and tear, ensuring they're in top condition.
• Invest in quality sails designed to withstand strong winds for added safety and performance.