Reefing vs. Radial Sail

[R Armstrong]

When the winds get "too much" is it better to reef the full rig laser, or switch to a radial sail?

 

[torrid]

Definitely Radial. It isn't just sail area. You need some mast bend, too.

And by "reefing", I assume you mean wrapping the sail around the mast once. This moves the whole center of effort forward, which I think would have a negative impact on boathandling.

 

[jeffers]

Definitely go Radial, you you wrap the full sail around you will find the cunningham does not work which is the key control to helping you depower when the breeze is on (that and a Radial in a blow when you are too heavy for it is great fun).....

 

[R Armstrong]

Thanks guys. I've sailed with the laser reefed (wrapped twice around the mast) but that was when I was still sailing with the stock (ptuee!) vang. What you say makes sense....move to the Radial and keep the adjustable vang. Thanks for the advice.