Went out this afternoon, in a stiff (sea) breeze.
Probably similar conditions as in Russell's last posting.
I prefer to have double reef in main, stay and yankee, as to single reef with stay.
Personally, I find this a more relaxed sail-plan.
What is the general concenses on reducing sail.
I prefer:
1. full sail
2. 1st reef, stay and yankee (my genoa is ripped!)
3. 2nd reef, stay and yankee
4. 2nd reef with stay
5. time to go home!;)
Another reason for preferring this plan here is that in the Med. the conditions can change very quickly.
What, one minute is a stiff sea breeze can within minutes change to something challenging.
This way, the reef is already in, and rolling up the yankee is done within seconds.
Especially, as most of the time I am sailing single-handed.
Michiel