Single or Double Line Reefing System on the boom?

[Joseph]

In the thread on "Sun Cat open water abilities" the issue was raised about the advantages of jiffy-reefing using a Single Line Reefing System: http://www.harken.com/pdf/4171.pdf. The main advantage of such system is to avoid having to step to the mast to hook down the new tack (an obvious advantage in any boat when single-handed, and more particularly, in a cat-rig). However, there may be greater friction at the reefing cringles and some difficulty in independently balancing the down pull on the sail at the tack and clew.

If installing such a system in a smaller boat like a Sun Cat, would it no make sense to have all the blocks and lines on the boom (instead of leading the line to the mast and/or deck). Also, would it not be better to have it cleated on the side of the boom leading aft from the tack instead of leading forward from the clew ? (i.e., it seems to me that from the cockpit it is easier to pool aft than to pool forward...).

I also wonder whether anyone has tried a Double Line Reefing System like the one available from Harken for larger boats: http://www.harken.com/rigtips/MainsailReefing.php.  And in such case what would be wrong with leading aft the "tack reefing line" (i.e.,  kind of a tack reefing "Cunningham") to be cleated on the side of the boom within easy reach from the cockpit?

J.

[Craig Weis]

Joseph, I'm not sure technically what I have on my Johnson Sails.. I guess as little as I use a reef in the main the hook and eye at the tack is fine and the extra clew is tied with the booms back line once the outhaul is released, so it makes no difference to me. I have knotted in reef lines at two heights on my main so I can tie the extra sail to the boom, only because this sail has the reefing grommets in it and I think the hanging reef line look so cool. Very salty. When it's really windy I just sail on the 155% lapper head sail. And don't bother with the main.
skip.