How to Lower the Mainsail | Inspire and Learn Basics | TMG Yachts 

Thank you for all your kind words.

Hi Jordan, there is no need to take up slack in all reef lines. In fact if you do this you can create extra work for yourself, next time you want a full sail out you are not only hoisting the weight of the sail but you are also pulling additional lines through blocks and round corners creating additional friction. Of course there are times, when you will have a full sail out and you reef once, then twice, then drop the sail and they will be in tight anyway. In this instance you know you have to have both reefing lines free to run next time you want to hoist to full sail. The best practice would be to lower the main without pulling in any additional reef lines tight. Then when you go to the mast to secure the sail and close the sail bag, tuck all the lines into the sail bag nicely. Conversely when you next want to go for a sail. When at the mast opening the sail bag, check at this point if you have any reefing lines tight, you can then have that line ready to run free when hoisting for a smooth lift. I've even met Captains that at the end of each sail, manually pull out all their reefs so they have an easy lift again to full sail. This comes down to preference. I hope this helps

If the sail slides aren't maintained they can as easily become stuck through down force as well as upward force so a downhaul wouldn't be a true fix. Presuming the carts on this vessel aren't now damaged through lack of preventative maintenance. I would suggest making sure the company are regularly using silicon spray (Or alike) on the slides. A lot of these companies supply a can in the tool kit if you do have trouble on charter. Spraying this into the slides when the main is down generously, and then raising and lowering a few times will loosen any build ups. If these are large block style slides make sure to get the straw of the can right into all the bearings. If this doesn't fix the sticking issue, speak to the Charter base as there will either be damage to the carts or mast internals. Thanks for your message and safe sailing! TMG.

Thank you Nick, I was considering to ask same question. When you leave reefing lines out result is spaghetti