Reefing the mainsail on Sure Shot, my 1990 Ericson 32-200, is something I had read about extensively but had never actually done until recently. I wanted to understand more than just the steps; I wanted to understand the loads, the rig behavior, and how this specific boat responds when overpowered. This post is a technical summary of what I learned, based on the boat’s actual hardware and my first real reefing experience.
Rig and Hardware Relevant to Reefing
My reefing system is a standard slab reefing setup with the following configuration:
- Tides Marine luff track for low-friction sail drops
- Three reef points in the mainsail, with two reef lines installed and led aft
- Main halyard led aft to Lewmar clutches and winches
- Reef tack line and reef clew line both led aft
- Deckhouse-mounted traveler
- 5:1 line boom vang also led aft
- Synthetic standing rigging on shrouds and backstay (installed 2020)
- No cunningham installed
All of this matters, because the loads and the order of operations change depending on how your lines are routed and how the boat behaves under full sail.
Wind and Decision Point
Conditions were dead calm through the Estuary and out toward the Bay. I had no plan to reef that day, but I had been reading up on it enough to keep it in the back of my mind.
As soon as we reached the Western Span of the Bay Bridge, a defined wind line appeared. Within minutes of hoisting the full mainsail and shutting down the engine, the wind built sharply into the 20-knot range. The boat heeled quickly and the helm loaded up.
At that point, the decision made itself:
the sail area was too much, and the reef needed to go in immediately.
The old saying proved accurate:
“If you’re thinking about reefing, you’re already late.”
Technical Reefing Procedure on My Boat
This is the exact process I used, based on the 32-200’s layout.
1. Reduce aerodynamic load without flogging the sail
I headed up just enough to unload the main but kept airflow attached. With synthetic rigging, I avoid violent flogging whenever possible.
2. Ease mainsheet and vang
This removes downward force on the boom and allows the sail to drop evenly.
3. Ease halyard
On my boat, 3–4 feet of halyard ease is enough for the first reef.
The Tides Marine track allowed the sail to come down cleanly without sticking.
4. Set the tack reef
My tack reef line is led aft, so instead of hooking the tack directly at the mast, I rely on the line to pull the reef tack down and forward. I confirmed the tack cringle was pulled firmly to the gooseneck level.
5. Winch in the clew reef line
Using the cabin-top Lewmar winch, I tensioned the clew reef line until:
- The new clew was hard against the boom
- The leech tightened and the sail flattened
- The boom lifted slightly, which is expected at the first reef
6. Re-tension the halyard
This is critical.
The halyard must be winched back on until the luff is firm at the new tack position.
A loose luff ruins sail shape and increases helm load.
7. Re-trim the sail plan
Traveller, sheet, and vang are then readjusted for the reefed sail.
Immediate Results
Once the reef was set correctly:
- Heel angle decreased
- Helm load reduced
- The boat tracked straighter
- The rig stopped shaking
- Motion became more predictable under the bridge wind and chop
The boat was significantly easier to steer, which aligns with the Ericson 32-200’s tendency to overload the rudder when heeled aggressively.
Technical Lessons Learned
1. Reef before heel becomes excessive
The 32-200 has a powerful main and a modest headsail. Reducing mainsail area has the greatest effect on balance.
2. Halyard re-tension is as important as reef line tension
The boat only settled down once the luff was fully tensioned again.
3. The Tides track simplifies the entire operation
A friction track changes everything. Dropping the sail in 20-knot gusts would be unpleasant without it.
4. Synthetic standing rigging demands controlled sail handling
No unnecessary flogging. The goal is controlled depower, not chaos.
5. The first reef dramatically improves rudder authority
With the rudder and steering cables known to loosen over time, reducing helm load is both a performance and mechanical benefit.
Conclusion
My first reef wasn’t planned, but it worked smoothly because I understood the line routing, the loads, and the behavior of this specific boat. The Ericson 32-200 responds extremely well to reefing — it becomes more balanced, safer, and easier to steer.
This is the framework I’ll continue using as I practice additional reefs in stronger Bay conditions.