[Public-list] Flattening Reef Question

[Brian and Elaine Timmins]

Richard,
  I'm surprised no one responded so far.
  I only have limited experience with a true flattening reef. Just to be
sure that we're talking about the same thing, it is a second clew cringle
several inches up the leech with no corresponding tack fitting, right? A
friend's boat had one and we found it very useful for flattening the main
(beyond what the normal outhaul / foot tension could do), especially going
to weather when the wind was up. It allowed us to carry more main, longer
into a raising wind prior to reefing. It actually made the full main as flat
as a properly reefed main. Oddly, we also used it in moderatly light winds
to help us point up into the wind further.
  The real question is do you derig the second reef to rig this. How often
do you use the second reef?
Regards,
Brian    ex#497
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <richard.hazlegrove at wachovia.com>
To: <public-list at alberg30.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 9:31 AM
Subject: [Public-list] Flattening Reef Question


> On Quest,  I have sheave boxes on each end of the boom and turning blocks
> at the mast base that allow cockpit control of the outhaul, and two reef
> points.  The main has a relatively deep foot that can easily be
> adjusted/flattened from the cockpit.  A couple times a year I race and was
> considering moving  the second reef line to the flattening reef cringle
> for those occasions when the wind is up.  In higher winds, I normally I
> flatten the main with the outhaul, vang, and mainsheet and actively work
> the traveller until it becomes necessary to put a first reef in the main.
> Anybody out there with any suggestions/advice for using the flattening
> reef to de-power, point higher, etc.  or is it actually very useful?
> Thanks
>
> Richard Hazelgrove
> Quest #444
> Mobjack Bay, VA.
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