reefed

Reefed is a nautical term describing a sail that has been reduced in area by reefing. When a sail is reefed, a portion of its surface is tied, folded, or rolled away to produce a smaller, more manageable sail area. The term can refer to the resulting configuration (reefed mainsail, reefed jib) as well as the action used to achieve it.

Reefing methods vary. Slab reefing, a traditional approach, involves creating a smaller sail by taking up reef points along the luff and securing the cloth to the boom or lower parts of the sail. Roller-reefing, common on modern boats, uses a furler or a roller system to roll or furl the sail, exposing a reduced area. Sailors may perform single-reef or multiple-reef configurations to achieve different degrees of reduction.

Usage: Reefing is employed in strong winds or heavy seas to improve control, reduce heeling, and prevent overpowering the rig. It allows a boat to maintain speed and maneuverability while keeping a safe sail area. When conditions improve, the reef is shaken out and the sail is restored to full size.

In sailing literature, reefing is a standard term across various rig types, from traditional square-rigged ships to modern sloops and cruising yachts. It remains a fundamental skill for mariners and is incorporated in most sail plans and storm procedures.