Don White wrote:

Roger Long wrote:

Was this originally a loose footed sail? If so, loose foot does have
some advantages. If not, you can't convert it to loose foot because
the sail has to be cut and constructed differently.


No...it has the bolt rope on the foot and luff. The foot isn't a big
deal to me at this point...I mainly want to be able to raise and lower
the main from the cockpit.
note: my crew is slightly questionable (wife)

If you can pull down the jib (or furl it, not so desirable, for me)
from the cockpit using a downhaul line, reefing the main then
becomes much easier, especially if you can steer the boat should it
stall and go backwards. At this point, the tiller becomes a little
wilful, but steering so as to keep the main almost over the boat
while it is being allowed to drop by it's own weight to be reefed is
not as difficult as it mighty seem. Just be sure you let the
mainsheet ease somewhat while you reef. I have very seldom been in
such a situation, but I was at the mast and frau was getting yelled
at: "Keep it headed upwind!" It's confusing, the first time. Some
boats will sail well in reverse, and some will scare hell out of
you, but will do it anyway. You should practice when you don't need
to. If you get turned so the sail slides jam, you must sail a reach
a little bit, then head up and get the main down. A smooth set of
slides should come down easy, so long as you don't allow the sail to
lean on the spreaders. Reefing lines to the cockpit is not all that
hard to rig if you spend a few bucks for tackle.

With no jib, and even a main hanging in bags, you should still be
able to sail, more or less to a close reach, and reef the main.
Then, rehoist the working jib, or a yankee cut self tender, and sail
on. Provided you have sea room, of course. Pay attention! Reef early!

If you are getting old and stiff, like me, it is still not so much
effort that I get out of breath. As far as falling off, because of
insufficient strength to clamer about, well, if you are getting
there, it may be time for a steamboat with a cabin boy.

A little adrenalin when you get scared can do wonders, if you don't
give in to panic.

Terry K