How do I reef a mainsail with lazy jacks?

Reef the mainsail normally with the lazy jacks rigged; they catch the lowered sailcloth while the reefing gear secures the new tack and clew. Check what supports the boom, unload the mainsail, ease the halyard to the reef position, secure the reef and retension the sail.

Check boom support and reefing gear

Ordinary lazy jacks guide the sail into the stackpack; they do not replace a topping lift. Before easing the halyard, take the boom's weight on the topping lift or a rigid vang designed to support it. StackPack instructions require the topping lift because the lazy jacks cannot withstand the shock of a falling boom.

The Dragonfly 32 owner's manual describes a different arrangement: its lazy jack line also serves as the topping lift, secured in a cleat on the starboard side of the boom. Use this method only where the boat's system is expressly designed for it.

Keep everyone clear of the boom's sweep. Wear a harness and tether if going forward in rough conditions.

• Check that the lazy jacks are secured and adjusted to catch the sail without pulling hard against it.
• Open the stackpack and check that its fabric, zip and straps cannot foul the reefing lines.
• Trace the selected reef line through its blocks and check that it runs freely.
• Identify your reefing system: single-line reefing, separate tack and clew lines, or a tack cringle that hooks onto a reefing horn at the gooseneck.

Unload and lower the mainsail

Reef early, while you can still control the boat comfortably. Hold a steady course with the mainsail luffing and enough speed to retain steerage. On many yachts, you can sail slowly close-hauled under the headsail with the main eased completely. Heading directly into the wind can help if the sail slides bind, but requires another means of maintaining control.

1. Support the boom and ease the mainsheet completely so the main carries no driving load.
2. Ease the kicking strap or vang so the boom can lift as the reef is pulled in.
3. Take the main halyard on the winch before opening its clutch, then lower it under control to the selected reef mark.
4. Watch the luff slides and battens as the sail descends into the lazy jacks.

Full-length battens can twist loaded slides against the mast track. If the sail sticks, bring it into better alignment with the wind and check for a caught batten or tight line. Do not force it down with the reefing winch.