Sailing Beginner- Reefing the Jib Sail

In this Sailing Beginner article, I would like to cover reefing the jib sail using a furling. A furling consists of either a plastic pipe or a spool like on my jib sail that holds the furling line and is attached to the jib sail at the foot. The furling line is wound around the spool and when the line is pulled the furler spool rolls up the jib. Pulling on the clew lines unfurls the jib, and both the clew lines and the furler line can be controlled from the cockpit of the sailboat. 

This is very important feature especially this time of year, because it can get very windy with gusts over 20 mph or more especially in a squall can come out of nowhere very quickly and if you are not prepared the prospects of capsizing or getting injured increases. You definitely want to know how to sail a boat by being prepared ahead of time and not waiting until the last minute. Reefing the jib with a furler is just one way you can become an accomplish sailor. The next time you are sailing and a squall comes your way, you know what to do. 

Sailing Tip: Instead of having to tie my furling line to reef my jib sail, I use a clothes line tightener that holds the line by just pulling the furling line to the desired position. And to release it, all I have to do is pull the front of the cinch and pull the line out. You can get a clothes line tightener at any home improvement or hardware store.

Not too long ago I’d wish I knew how to reef my jib as I was unprepared for what was about to happen.  I had just finished a running the lake and was preparing to tack back to my point of origin. However, the wind died suddenly and I was beginning to believe that it was finished for the day and anticipated lowering both the mainsail and the jib sail and using the outboard for my return. 

However I hesitated and my patience and estimation of seeing some storm clouds off in the distance moving fast towards me paid off. In about 15 minutes the wind made an enormous comeback that I had not anticipated what so ever. The wind conditions went from calm to a strong breeze in no time and hit me hard while at full sail.  Wow! talk about an adrenaline rush! It was all hands on deck! Stay tune for my next post for the continuation of this yarn.


I hope you are enjoying my sailing beginner blog, however, if you’re really pressed for time, I have also put together an audio and e book for a nominal price, so that you can learn how to sail while commuting to work or anytime you can listen to your favorite audio playing device. So now there is no excuse for you to daydream any longer about sailing! Get started today, you will be glad you did. Just click this link: www.sailingbeginner.com for more information in getting your hands on a copy of my audio and e book. Until then- Happy Sailing!