Glossary · Sails
Reef
Also called: Ris, prendre un ris, réduire, reefing, arriser
Reducing the mainsail's area by lowering and tying down its bottom part.
Taking a reef means lowering the mainsail one step and securing its lower part to the boom. A mainsail usually has two to four reefs. Single-handed, it is a long and physical job, to be done before a depression or squall arrives.
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No source yet · updated 30 Sept 2026