William R. Watt ) writes:
The time to reef is before the wind gets too strong. Think of it as
defensive driving. You can sit hove to while reefing. To heave to backwind
the jib and push the tiller right out away from you.

BTW these are good things to practice when out for a pleasure sail. For
reefing you can try it with the boat in shallow water or tied to a dock
first. The reef points will probably tie underneath the boom. Sail the boat
with the sail reefed a few times to get used to it. Then sail the boat
reefed at the begining of each season as a refresher. Besides the winds
are usually stronger at the beginning of the season.

You can heave a boat to anytime to clean up, make adjustments, or just to
relax and have a snack. Whole dingy fleets sit hove to waiting for enough
wind to start races at regattas. I've done that, joining others swimming
off their boats while waiting.

You should also learn to tie all your sailor knots one-handed, eyes closed,
while someone tosses buckets of water in your face.
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