Reefing Procedure

Guidelines for reefing main and headsails in heavy weather.

Before Reefing

• Review apparent wind, sea state, and sail plan
• Crew positions and safety gear
• Prepare lines (main sheet, traveler, halyards, reef pennants)

Executing Reef

• Ease sheet/traveler to depower
• Lower halyard to pre-mark, tension reef tack and clew
• Re-tension halyard, trim sheets, tidy lines

Post-Reef Checks

• Sail shape and chafe points
• Winch handles stowed and lines secured
• Update log with sail configuration

Document reefing hardware routing, tack hook details, and preferred halyard marks.