sail reef points

Lazyjacks also facilitate keeping the sail captured on top of the boom, so it doesn't spill into the cockpit. They make handling the main much simpler than dealing with a huge amount of sail on top of you while reefing. I think the UK-based sailor may have been talking about a roller furling jib as well.

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CutOnce

 

I find the lazy jacks also make raising the main easier.

When I'm ready to sail I can then hook up the lazy jacks to hold the weight of the boom and sail while I slip the goose neck into place. Once that's in I feed in all the slugs into the slot and untied the main sail. The lazy jacks keep the sail contained and controlled while I raise it. All I have to do is pull the halyard and up goes the main. Really easy for a one man operation - even for a lazy sailor like me.

 

getting a genoa is a priority for me right now and i also sail single handed... but in a force 5-6 wouldnt a genoa be too large a SA? i would have wanted to swap to working jib above force 4... but my knowledge is very limited

 

In a force 5 I usually have one reef on the main sail and about 50% of my Genoa out, this would give me about 5.5 knots, don't forget also Colvic Watsons do not 'plow' into the sea due to their hull design.

As I sail single handed I experimented for some time in reefing, now to reef the main sail with me faceing aft with the mast infront of me, I can lower the main sail with one hand and with the other pull one reefing line which pulls the sail down to the reef at two points (second photo), while I clip the tack onto the rams horn, then just pull tight on the main halyardIf you like 'all year round sailing' and heavy weather sailing then a Colvic Watson is the boat to be in, although a motor sailer I rarely use the engine when sailing.

 

The photos you posted show the reefing gear on the boom TOO FAR FORWARD for the sail/reef point you are using. The foot of the sail is not being pulled back enough and this is making the sail too full.

You might want to address that...

 

update:
my boom does roll! theres no tool to do it but i managed with a screwdriver and got it turning. i roller reefed the main down to where i intent to stitch my reef row to get a feel and it balanced the boat really well in a strong wind. i dont intend to use roller reffing on the boom as it wont flatten the sail and im concerned about damaging the sail, but its nice to know its there and it works...

iv looked into finding a sail plan for a hurley 18' and cant find one. even the owners club said there are none around. but im considering 3 reef rows on the main to give me more choice and a DIY roller furling foresail, but i may start another thread when it comes to that...