Hunter MH37 Operator's Manual page 214

5. Tension the jib furler/forestay by adjusting the forestay
rigging screw (see jib furler manufacturer's OEM
manual)
6. Ensure the mast is tuned to a 6" to 8" bend on the
standard mast and 2" to 3" bend on the furling mast
(discussed previous). Adjust the bend as required.
12.7.14 Rigging Review
Once the rig is tuned, you should make sure to add the
cotter pins to all the rigging, bending back the ends and
taping them to prevent snagged lines, sails, and fingers.
In general, tie figure eight knots in the end of sheets to
prevent them from running back through the stoppers or
cars.
12.8 Sail Reefing & Stowing
Reefing the sails reduces the area of the sails. This can
improve the ship's stability and reduce the risk of damag-
ing the sails or boat hardware in strong winds. Reefing is
a subset of stowing the sails. In other words, stowing the
sails fully reduces the sail area of the sails.
12.8.1 When to Reef
When determining your sail configuration, wind strength
will be a key factor. Figure 12.9 provides apparent wind
speed (AWS) levels and the suggested sail configuration.
It is critical to maintain sail discipline at these levels for
the safety of those on board and the protection of your
vessel.
As a rule of thumb, consider reefing whenever the boat
heels to 22 degrees or more (an inclinometer will assist
in determining the degree of heel).
Sails and Rigging
NOTE: Excessive sail area or modifications to the original sail
and/or rig design can cause unsafe conditions including knock-
down/broach.
NOTE: The wind strengths tabulated above include a margin
for the effects of gusts. If violent winds or confused or breaking
seas exist, additional caution should be exercised.
NOTE: Remember:
1. In the event of a severe gust, FREE SHEETS;
2. If wind is closehauled, LUFF UP;
3. If wind is abeam, FREE SHEETS;
4. If wind is abaft the beam, BEAR AWAY.
NOTE: Special care should be taken when turning from a fol-
lowing wind onto a beam reach, because both the apparent
wind speed and heeling effect will increase. Such turns should
not be made rapidly, and consideration should be given to a
reduction in sail before such a maneuver.
It can not be stressed enough, that vigilance, common
sense and a cautious mindset will be strong allies for safe
sailing. The forces of nature can and will be unpredict-
able at times and your sail configuration will be a central
factor on sailing success or disaster in response to these
forces. Always err on the side of caution.
12.8.2 Conventional Mainsail
The standard rig comes with a dual-line reefing system
on the conventional mainsail. The decrease of sail area
is vertical, or the foot shifts up on the sail to the new
reefing point. Stowing the sail involves lowering the sail
to the boom and lashing it down, wrapping it with a sail
cover or lowering it into an encasing sail cover.
12.8.2.1 Reefing System Installation Instructions
Installation of your reefing system involves the following
steps:
1. Run both reefing lines as illustrated in the Generalized
Reefing Layout illustration (Fig 12.26). The shorter
reef line will be used on the first reef (starboard side,
white w/ green flecks). The longer reef line will be
used on the second reef (port side, white w/ red
flecks).
2. Ease the mainsheet.
Figure 12.9
3. Lower the mainsail to approximately the first reef
position.
4. Take up the slack in the first reef line until the tack
and the clew are down to about 2" above the boom.
12.10