Sailing a Reefed Catboat

[Bobcat]

Last night was my first experience sailing my Bobcat in a breeze stiff enough for a reef in the main. What a nice experience sailing a well-balanced reefed gaffer. :D

I used to reef a marconi sloop with a big main, but the balance always got wonky. I had a gaff rigged schooner, but never reefed her.

[Jim Ledger]

Tuck in a reef and they behave soooo nice.

Should have shook this one out but....too lazy, sometimes.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/searover1916/P9160044.jpg

[outofthenorm]

Jim, we haven't seen much of Sea Rover lately. How's she doing? She's one of my favourites.

- Norm

[Yeadon]

I'd like to see more photos of Sea Rover with a reef in, with whitecaps all around.

[sv Lorelei]

Sail balance is a boat by boat thing. Our little cutter sails more like a catboat and is extremely well behaved with a reef in. Jib up or not. With the jib she'll point up a bit more, but it's all a matter of a few degrees really and a lot more looking after the trim of the jib.

I'm of the general opinion that the majority of "modern" sailors sail over-sheeted and over-canvassed most of the time (when the wind is actually blowing). With a gaffer, I've found it's harder to oversheet with impugnity as the boat won't go anywhere and you soon learn to crack off a bit and make some time (distance).

Most boats are designed to sail on their bottoms and do their best for you if you take the care to keep 'em there.