Jeff T.,
I think Grant has the answer: Release vang, crank harder.
Don (Navman),
Since we only have two internal reef lines, as wind came up I would formerly re-rig the reef lines for second and third reefs, giving up the first reef (which just lies there when the second reef is put in). Kind of a chore in a seaway. Now the largest mainsail possible is the second reef.
I subsequently came to prefer using a scrap of line to make a "permanent" first reef. That means the first reef is always in, and requires no winch or gear. The second and third reefs use the internal lines, and the largest mainsail is first-reefed. But the lashing is easy to untie to permit full sail.
Note that to use a third reef with the two-line internal system, the third-reef line needs to be longer than usual, since when you hoist the full sail, with the third reef attached, it has a long way to go. A new reef line is no doubt required.
FWIW, my use of the third reef is declining. I find its zone of usefulness narrow. Two reefs removes 50 percent of my mainsail. When that becomes overpowered I now find it easier to just furl the main, since the boat does so well under jib alone, even in gale conditions.
Re external boom gear specifically for a third reef--seems to me a bit complicated, since it would have to lead back, and the line would be very long. Such a system of three reef lines would permit choice of full mainsail, but in third-reef conditions that doesn't come up.
First reef lashed (to free lines for 2nd and 3rd reefs)