The advantage of a single line system is that you need to pull and cleat only one line to shorten your sail. To be able to reef from the cockpit you only need to run the main halyard and the reef line aft. The simplest system uses
one padeye and two cheek blocks. If you want to reef from the cockpit (highly desirable) you will also need another cheek block, a double turning block, a double deck block, and two cleats.
With any reefing system, the angle of pull of the lines is critical. It is far more important to flatten the sail than it is to get it down tight against the boom. A flat sail reduces heel and weather helm: a curved one does the opposite. The forward and aft reef lines should pull the reef cringles (eyes in the sail) at about a 380 angle relative to the boom.
Place your turning block as far forward on the boom as you can get it. The same goes for the cleat or the optional turning block. I prefer a reef hook on the forward cringle because it reduces friction and keeps the entire system visible on one side of the sail. The first thing to do once all the blocks and lines are in place is to reef the sail and mark the position of the main halyard and reef line with a felt tip pen where they enter their cleats.
Now, when you want to reef the sail
by yourself, you should:
1) Head into the wind at about 350 to the true wind. The sail won't draw well, but
it won't flog, either.
2) Release the main sheet.
3) Now, lower the main halyard and pull on the reef line simultaneously. If you lower the halyard too quickly, the boom will drop into the cockpit, which could seriously upset the First Mate if she happens to be under it.
The fastest way to reef with two people, is to have one support the boom while the other releases the main halyard and recleats it at the felt pen mark. Then pull the reef line until it too is at its mark. If everything is in order before you begin, it should take about 15 seconds to put in the reef. Your boat will now sail faster and flatter and your crew won't mutiny next time you ask them to go out in a blow.
Happy Sailing,
Dick Sebastian
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