Reefing line load calculations

[Jak Mang]

Is there a rule of thumb for reefing line loads? Would it be similar to an end boom mainsheet for the reduced sail area?

Thanks,
-jak

[Ian McColgin]

The loads on the tack are not unlike the unreefed tack but the loads on the reefed clew are often surprisingly high. The full sail is usually fastened along the boom by slides or lacing and thus the outhaul mostly acts as an outhaul with the leach tension spread through the sail. When reefed, the reef points just hold the sail's bunt and the clew acts as outhaul and the locus for all of the leach stress. Higher wind but less sail area when reefed - I generally make the clew gear - boom sheet blocks and lines - at least as hefty as the regular unreefed gear.

It will be interesting to see a proper analysis.

G'luck