Time to reef yet?

[K2MSmith]

I just got the final design specs from the sailmaker: 1st reef is at 10.5% of luff height, 2nd at 25% and 3rd at 50% (the latter is a NZ requirement for compliance with their 'offshore' categorization regs - it also serves as a storm sail.) I haven't done the math yet to work out what % of original sail area remains at each reef point.

Having been to Wellington, the 50% requirement seems justified.

 

[goldenstate]

My cruising-oriented flowchart with some getting-baggy sails:

1st reef - 5’ above the boom, taken at 15-17.

1.5th reef (Roll in some jib)

2nd reef - 10’ above the boom, taken at 22+.

2.5th reef (Roll in more jib at 25)

3rd reef 16’ above the boom )taken at anything looking 22 or more at night)

3.5th reef is to put the mainsail away entirely and hold some jib.