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Unreefed and Reefed Sails

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rounding the mark
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unreefed and reefed sails




Lady Muriel
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The boat on the left has not put a reef in its mainsail but the boat on the right has. Reefing these sails is done by tying both the front and back of the sail to the boom - a simple method. Since the boat has almost no weight in its keel, internal weight (people) must be moved from side-to-side to counter wind pressure on the sails and keep the boat upright. Sailing in strong winds is much easier and safer with reefed sails.