arni
Although I don’t have major problems, I find reefing a bit clumsy because there is no topping lift. It does not seem sensible to slack the back stay right off so the pennant can be attached to support the boom before slacking the hallyard. I am afraid of losing the rig in the strong conditions that will exist at these times.
What I do is slack off the hallyard slowly and allow the boom to droop onto the companion hatch. I then attach the horn, re-tension the hallyard, and finally haul the boom up by pulling the leech reefing line. (I am doing this single-handed)
This is really clumsy. Is there a better way?
AlexanderL
We were lucky enough that the previous owner fitted a ‘Topping lift’ of sorts to our Sonata (Tempo) and this is a fixed line attached to the top of the mast, which clips onto the end of the boom somewhere in the region of the outhaul (it is still attached when not clipped on, but the boom can then drop somewhat lower).
It does do the job pretty well (although it does need shortening occasionally so you can get into the companionway) and certainly helps when reefing.