One Man's Opinion on when and how to reef



Sloop/cutter rig upwind

• 15 knots: first reef in main, genoa possibly 10 percent furled.
• 22 knots: second reef in main, genoa 20 percent furled.
• 30 knots: third reef in main or storm staysail, genoa 40 percent furled or removed and stowed below, deploy storm jib or
• storm staysail.
• 35 knots: deep-reefed main down on traveler or dropped in favor of storm trysail, headsail furled or dropped, storm jib or storm staysail deployed.
• 40 to 50 knots: actively steer close hauled upwind (forereach), or heave-to.
• 50 knots and above: continue concentrated, active forereaching or heave-to, with sea anchor if necessary.

Sloop/cutter rig downwind

• 20 knots: first reef in main, maintain full genoa.
• 25 knots: second reef in main, furl genoa 15 to 20 percent.
• 30 knots: third reef in main or storm trysail, furl genoa 30 to 40 percent.
• 38 knots: third reef in main or trysail, genoa furled or removed, storm jib or storm staysail deployed.
• 44 knots: storm trysail and storm jib or storm staysail. Deploy drogue if necessary.
• 50 knots and above: actively sail the waves downwind, deploy drogue to maintain safe speed. Alternatively, head upwind and sail a close reach (forereach) or heave-to. Never risk sailing too fast downwind under bare poles.

Ketch rig upwind

• 16 knots: first reef in main, mizzen full, genoa furled 10 percent.
• 22 knots: second reef in main, first reef in mizzen, genoa 20 percent furled.
• 28 knots: main down, single reef in mizzen, genoa 30 percent furled.
• 35 knots: main down, double reef in mizzen, genoa furled or removed, storm jib or preferably storm staysail deployed.
• 40 to 45 knots: actively steer a close reach (forereach), playing the wind and waves, or heave-to.
• 50 knots and above: actively steer (forereach) or heave-to, deploy sea anchor if necessary.

Ketch rig downwind

• 20 knots: full mainsail, drop mizzen, full genoa.
• 25 knots: first reef in main, genoa 10 percent furled.
• 30 knots: second reef in main, genoa 30 percent furled.
• 35 knots: third reef in main or storm staysail, furl genoa, deploy storm jib or preferably storm staysail.
• 40 knots: drop mainsail, sail on storm jib or storm staysail.
• 48 knots and above: actively sail under storm staysail, deploy drogue if necessary, head up and close reach (forereach) or heave-to. Never risk sailing too fast downwind under bare poles.