Sail Ties!

[Art Haberland]

This is the first year that in over 55 that Spark has sails with reef points. Two sets to be exact. While I have all the rope and pulley work done to reef her down, I find myself wondering what the best material to use for the ties are.

I have been using hanks of 4mm line to keep the sail tidy, but I would like something I can permanently leave in the sail to make reefing as neat and quick as possible. Any thoughts?

[wdscobie]

3/16" should be great for buntlines. Cut to length and tie an overhand knot at the middle of the line, pull through the reef grommet, tie a second overhand knot right close to the grommet (opposite side of the sail from the first knot) to hold the buntline in place.

[Michel]

I have the rolling reefing system on my boat but I had the usual reefing system on my ex boat. I think the idea is to have a type of line that is easy to untie but stay tied when in usage. You will be good to go now with a good reefing capacity.

[Lachie88]

I have found over the years that the easiest sail ties are the Velcro with hook one side and look the other. They are completely adjustable, just keep each tie separate from each other when storing them if you need them in a hurry. They have many uses.

[Art Haberland]

Velcro, I never thought of that! I will have to give it a shot.

[JacquesR]

Art. I don't think Velcro would work with reef points. You would have to work it through the grommets and tie knots.
I use Velcro to tie down my main to the boom and it works well in that context. I think that's what Lachie88 was referencing.