Author Topic:   Reefing points on CL 16 David JuniorMember posted August 26, 2003 01:17 PM             I am uncertain how to reef the CL 16's mainsails as there is only one grommet (cringle) above the bottom one. Other sailboats have a row or two tof such grommets, but not the CL 16. Aside from high winds, I would like to reef the sail to allow me to raise the height of the boom so that it clears my head when tacking. I would appreciate any advice on how to do this. DW Tom D CL16 Member posted August 26, 2003 07:41 PM             The single grommet on the main near the luff is for the cunningham. It is used to tighten the main when a lot of wind is blowing, racers use this a lot. Reefing is roller on the boom if you are NOT center boom mainsheeted. The reefing points in the main are not standard. You should get a sailmaker or someone with experience to put in reefing points. The first set of points should be about 27 inches above the boom and just below the lowest point of the bottom sail batten. There are several ways to make main reefing points. Try angelfire.com/de2/WIT/JiffyReef.htm I have seen another method with 7 gromets and a long elastic cord woven through the holes. At each you attach a hook to wrap around the boom when reefing. I forgot exactly where I saw this. You don't want to raise the boom for reefing you want to lower the center of effort and reduce sail area. There is plenty of room in a CL16 to duck under the boom even with a crew. Good Sailing Tom D.

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