& Windsurfng Downsizing on the water As RYA Dinghy Instructors, we always advise our students to reef ashore if they have any doubt about their ability to hold down the full . There will be times, however, when they either forget to do so or get caught out as the wind increases. Simon Winkley, RYA Coach/Assessor, looks at reefng afoat with guidance and top tips to help our students deal with this scenario away from the comfort of the shore. Ashore s reefng afoat requires specifc actions to be taken, Apossibly under the pressure of time or inclement weather, reefng can be practiced ashore enabling students to become competent with the processes of putting the reef in and shaking it out without the pressure of the elements on the water. Many of the latest training boat designs have a slab reefng system with lines inside the which Sailing under on a close reach is an alternative to heaving-to and gets the reef in quickly take in the clew and the with a single pull, a variation commonly called Jify reefng. To set this up: Top tip Commonly the boat is placed in Reefng ties may be available on uncleat the reefng line, pull it out Avoid simply jamming the stopper the stable hove-to position during training and will hang down from the end of the boom, pass it knot at the end of the reefng line reefng. As an alternative, ask both sides of the sail through through the reinforced clew cringle into the notch in the boom-end students to sail along on a close cringles along the reefng slab (the frst, weave it down through the ftting as this does not produce reach under jib while reefng. Here horizontal line of cringles from new faking cringles and tie a running the right direction of pull and can the boat will still be able to steer a tack to new clew). These should bowline around the boom (see slip out, particularly when not little and the helm will tend to keep be tied using reef knots around photo). This allows the new clew loaded. Prepare the tack by taking a better lookout. The boom will be the folds of the sail (not around to be pulled fully downwards and the inner line up to the reinforced lowered just by the gunwale where the boom if possible) to secure towards the end of the boom and tack cringle, weave down through the crew is sitting (not over the the faked sail in position. Keeping the pressure is taken on the strong the faking cringles (in the same water) which should make things the sail loose-footed after reefng clew cringle and not the weaker sequence as the clew) and tie easier and safer. allows the sail controls, especially faking cringles. it of to a strong point on the the outhaul, to remain efective and gooseneck. On the water – execution keeps unnecessary strain of the sail Students should be reminded Now it’s time to: across the middle of the reefng slab. The reefng line goes from boom- to set it up like this every time » release the kicker/vang; end to clew cringle, they sail so they are ready to reef » release the main halyard, Have a go yourself threads down and whenever the need arises. streaming it in the water to Why not take out a modern training is secured around prevent tangles; double-hander with another the boom with On the water – planning » lower the until the instructor to discuss and practice all a running bowline. and setup tack cringle is about 5cm above the elements of reefng afoat? You Help students to identify where the gooseneck, supporting the should discover subtle yet valuable to reef to make allowances for the boom as it drops; diferences with the boats at your boat drifting sideways, especially » pull on the reefng line (or club or centre. There’s no reason for in strong tides. An ideal place pennant) to draw the new tack this not to be an enjoyable, relaxed would be: and clew into position, making session which will refresh your » away from a lee shore; sure the new tack remains close skills and improve your ability to » away from any downtide to the mast; deliver it to students the next time obstructions; » tidy away any spare line; around. It’s also great for instructor

» in an open space with as few » re-tension the kicker and sail away. development and staf training. John Humphries Photos: other vessels around as possible; » on starboard tack (under IRPCS Amanda Van Santen a vessel is underway when it is Chief Instructor, Dinghy & Windsurfng not connected to the ground so E-mail: [email protected] rights of way must be observed Tel: 023 8060 4179 even during reefng). www.rya.org.uk | 11