Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Sails and Canvas

Mainsail slugs

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Dolce_Vita:

--- Quote from: SeaFever on July 16, 2011, 09:10:14 PM ---...  Now I realize I have the same slug configuration on the main that you describe and I believe it is most likely designed to accommodate the reefing of the main -- the line/slug arrangement ends just above the second reef and it seems to allow for a clean way to reef the bottom portion of the sail.  ...

--- End quote ---

This makes sense.

Where is the lower end of your line secured?  Mine just floats free, but I find that this makes it difficult for the slugs to get lined up properly when hoisting.  I usually end up putting a knot in the end and securing it under one of the reefing hooks.

Dolce_Vita:
I did some further research on this line.  It's called a "luff line" (imagine that!), and it's purpose is to make reefing easier.

Without it, it is difficult to get the reefing tack down to the reefing hook, as all the slugs below the reef point pile up
in the sail track and hold the reefing tack up too high. In some cases, you would actually have to remove the slugs
from the track in order to reef!  With the P323's "track-gate" system, it's not something I want to do on a pitching
deck with a storm bearing down!
(I know, I know! I should have been reefed BEFORE that point! )

The luff line also a convenient place grab to haul the sail down to
the reef point, as there's usually some side-loading while reefing, and the slugs tend to bind in the track.

I've found recommendations that it should be tied off either to the gooseneck, or to the tack of the sail.

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