420: When to reef L420

[vlbaysailor]

As life long mono sailors, reefing based on wind speed is different for us.

We are under contract on a L420. We have searched, but can't find information on what wind speeds are appropriate for 1st, 2nd etc reefs for the L420. Any information would be appreciated. Definitely don't want to over stress the rig!
Regards Vicky

[StuM]

Page 9 of the Owner's Manual:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/97...?page=9#manual

[feebs]

Interesting that this model owner's manual gives wind speeds in "max actual wind speeds" whereas L400 owner's manual states " Given wind force in apparent wind ".

Why the change?

[Ulstue]

Does the wind strength in knots not match the force in Beaufort in the table?

What about the wind direction? TWS or AWS?

[vlbaysailor]

Thanks so much for the manual. I do agree it is interesting that is is not quoted in apparent. However it is a good reference. We will probably err on the more conservative side of those numbers. Thanks again

[daletournier]

I look at those numbers and realize I sail very conservatively.

[StuM]

I like TWS for a reefing guide. When wind speeds are given in apparent, you need to consider your point of sail and reef at different wind speeds.

Otherwise, you can get a nasty surprise when the wind shifts or you need to change course and head up into wind.

[fxykty]

AWS is most appropriate as that indicates the actual load on the sails and rig. Be religious about not exceeding the reefing guide - at least until you get a LOT of experience with your boat.

But reefing also depends on the sea state - rougher or more confused seas will have you reefing earlier and slowing down for comfort.

An old saying is "for monohulls reef to the gusts and for multihulls reef to the lulls". I.E. reef earlier rather than later, and don't rely as much on depowering techniques such as flattening or twisting the sails as you would on a monohull.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by fxykty

An old saying is "for monohulls reef to the gusts and for multihulls reef to the lulls". I.E. reef earlier rather than later, and don't rely as much on depowering techniques such as flattening or twisting the sails as you would on a monohull.

I think you may have that the wrong way round

If it's 18 kts with gusts to 25, you would reef a monohull as appropriate for 18 knots but on a multihull, you would reef as appropriate for 25 knots.

IOW - for monohulls reef for the lulls and for multihulls reef for the gusts.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by fxykty

AWS is most appropriate as that indicates the actual load on the sails and rig.

Until you have to change course! Then your reefing for 15 knots AWS downwind has you carrying too much sail for 25 knots upwind.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by StuM

Until you have to change course! Then your reefing for 15 knots AWS downwind has you carrying too much sail for 25 knots upwind.

Well Stu, you reef for the new anticipated AWS before you change course upwind.

But of course, if the reefing guide for this new 420 is for true wind, then true wind it is. It is safer legally for the company to express reefing in true wind as that is more conservative.

Typically, reefing to TWS downwind or reaching will have you under-powered while reefing to TWS upwind will have you over-powered. At least with my cat that is so. A less performance oriented cat like the Lagoon may have less of a difference between AWS and TWS.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by StuM

I think you may have that the wrong way round

If it's 18 kts with gusts to 25, you would reef a monohull as appropriate for 18 knots but on a multihull, you would reef as appropriate for 25 knots.

IOW - for monohulls reef for the lulls and for multihulls reef for the gusts.

You're right, I got it backwards, thanks. I absolutely do reef my cat for the 25 knot gusts rather than the 18 knot lulls, and live with being under-powered during the lulls.