Is Single Line Reefing
Right for Your Sailboat?

The single line reefing system is probably the easiest way to pull a reef in a mainsail and, providing the mainsail halyard and topping lift are led back to the cockpit, there's no need to clamber up to the mast to shorten sail.

One of our eBooks...

But if the halyard and the topping lift are operated from the mast, then this is where the reefing pennant should terminate too.

On some boats the halyard is operated from the mast and the topping lift from the cockpit - which is just plain daft - but if this is the case it's best to keep the halyard and the reefing line in the same location, as you can deal with the topping lift before you leave the cockpit and when you return to it.

Clearly it makes a lot more sense to have everything all in the same place - either at the mast or in the cockpit - so you can deal with it on your own if you have to.

Pulling In a Slab with a Single Line Reefing System

It doesn't get much simpler than the external system shown here:~

single line reefing system for sailboat mainsails

Single Line Reefing - a Simple, Seaworthy System

Ease the kicking strap, or vang as it's also known;

Ease the mainsheet;

Head up towards the wind;

Take up on the topping lift to support the end of the boom;

Release the halyard and drop the main by enough to pull in the reef;

Pull in the reef and secure the reefing line;

Tension halyard and secure;

Ease the topping lift;

Adjust course, trim sails - and it's job done!

Single Line Mainsail Reefing Kits

Single line kits for retrofitting along the side of the boom are available, particularly for smaller sailboats.

The ones shown here (by US manufacturers Barton and Schaeffer) are for boats up to 30' long. They are complete single-line reefing kits that allow mainsail reefing lines to be led aft to the safety of the cockpit.

This system makes reefing your mainsail a quick and easy operation - just lower the main to a predetermined mark on the halyard, tension the reefing line and re-trim the sail.

Supplied as a complete set with all the parts and fixings required, together with full fitting instructions. All you need to provide is a line and a cleat or stopper.

Internal Systems

Trysail bagged and in its own track ready for use

Some spar manufacturers incorporate single line systems inside the boom, which, although looking neater is:~

more expensive, and

is difficult to repair when something breaks, and

uses a two part tackle which makes pulling a reef in easier, but

the mechanical advantage works against you when letting a reef out.

There's only enough room inside the boom for the first two reef tackles, so the third reef - if there is one - has to be done with a standard slab reefing arrangement.

This means that in the very worst conditions you'll have to go to the mast anyway!

I know some offshore sailors that use this system have just two deep slabs in the mainsail, and rely on the trysail when things get really unpleasant.

The trysail should have its own separate track and be kept bagged but ready for hoisting at the foot of the mast, as shown here.