Reefing main of Catalina 25

[@petenelson8136]

My son is buying a Catalina 25 this weekend. I sailed a sunfish a lot as a kid (now 65), so watching you do this reminded me of what I used to do with one sail. Backing into the wind was very interesting, and how you tied off your rudder so you could take a reef out of the mainsail was pretty cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@IrregularPineapples]

this is very cool -- hadn't thought about heaving-to in order to set a reef in -- that's a great tactic for solo sailing -- especially with a tiller and without any or a reliable auto-pilot -- super good thanks for the video~

[@karlholmgren4263]

Very happy to hear you found it useful!

[@cn780]

Excellent video on reefing single handed!!!! I have been looking for a video like this. Well done sir.

[@karlholmgren4263]

Thank you much!

[@davidpearson2581]

How about some more Catalina 25 videos. I am interested how your Jib is set up. New 1984 Catalina 25 owner here. My head sail sits low on the deck, trying to figure out what I need to get it higher, so it clears the lifelines and stanchions.

[@karlholmgren4263]

Somewhat furled as in the video the foresail does not contact the lifeline. However, this is an (I believe) 130% genova, and it actually does not clear them entirely in the fully unfurled condition. The foot close to the tack is forced to fold up a couple of of inches. My ideas around the problems have been around locally lowering the applicable part of the lifeline. (haven't done it though.)

[@aljumaili]

Great video, thanks!

[@fpdima]

Why didn't you secure the foot of the main sail? I notice you left it flapping off the boom.

[@karlholmgren4263]

Well, I probably would have if I had been adhering to a more conservative reefing policy. (reefing earlier than strictly needed). Then I would sail for a long time on the same reef and hence take the time with tying it up. However, the following factors promoted frequent changes to reefing: - winds on Lake Erie being highly variable - equipped with the tall rig - trying to sail somewhat optimally fast Good question though!

[@kingakozdron8584]

I agree if you want to shake main out if condition change as you mentioned wind on Lake Erie is highly variable@@karlholmgren4263

[@itsmePassport]

jenova did ya say.

[@johncalhoun7170]

Do you have a topping lift? My 25 has a topping lift setup.

[@karlholmgren4263]

I did. (Don't have the same boat anymore. Changed to an Allegro 33 now). However, I never use(d) it to support the boom during reefing.

[@geoffmary1767]

Learned a lot, thanks! I am considering buying a Catalina 25 - do you think it is a good boat for a first time sailor? I do have other boating experience. Look forward to more videos.

[@karlholmgren4263]

For a first keel boat it's pretty good. Not very exciting, but inexpensive and enables you to practice most of the functions of larger or more expensive boats.

[@karlholmgren4263]

On a second note, if you consider it as your first keel boat I would definitely get the short rig. The one I have in the video has the tall rig, which is why I am forced to reef so early.

[@lanceclinton]

I just bought a Catalina 25 as my first boat... it has been a perfect boat.

[@jonmccauley6490]

Excellent boat for a first time sailor. The tall rig is great for lake sailors and phrf racing. However, the boom is much lower, so the headroom is not great, especially with a bimini. It can be raised though. The C25 is probably the best pocket cruiser, while still trailerable. If you want to just daysail, don't need the cabin, and enjoy sailing faster, it's not the boat for you.

[@jonmccauley6490]

And if you want cheap and fast, get a used Hobie 16!

[@itsmePassport]

JIBS ON THE LEFT SIDE

[@karlholmgren4263]

No, on port.

[@itsmePassport]

looks relaxing NOT