I just noticed that there is only one set of reef points on the picture in
your OP link. Of course, with a gaff rig, you can scandalize which is
effectively a 50% sail reduction.

If you look closely at that picture, you can see how many reef points are
required with a cotton sail. Imagine tying and untying all those! You have
to climb out on the boom to get at the outer ones. Many craft of the period
had foot ropes on the outer boom. Imagine what the USCG cone heads who go
around hassling people for sitting with their legs over the rail inside the
lifelines on sailboat would think of that.

--
Roger Long