Close-reefed meaning

Close-reefed means adjusting the sails to reduce the area exposed to the wind during stormy weather.


Close-reefed definitions

Word backwards defeer-esolc
Part of speech Close-reefed is an adjective.
Syllabic division close-reefed: close-reefed
Plural The plural of close-reefed is close-reefed.
Total letters 11
Vogais (2) o,e
Consonants (6) c,l,s,r,f,d

When sailors refer to close-reefed, they are talking about a sailing technique used during stormy weather conditions. It involves reducing the area of the sails exposed to the wind by tightly securing them to the mast and boom. This practice helps the vessel maintain stability and maneuverability in high winds and heavy seas.

Importance of Close-Reefed Sails

Close-reefed sails are crucial for safety at sea, especially when facing strong winds and turbulent waters. By reducing the sail area, sailors can prevent the vessel from being overwhelmed by the force of the wind, thus avoiding potential damage or capsize. This technique allows the crew to maintain control of the ship and navigate through challenging conditions.

Procedure for Close-Reefing

The process of close-reefing involves folding or rolling the sails to decrease their size and then securing them tightly to the spars of the ship. This can be done manually by the crew using reef points on the sails or by using modern reefing systems that make the process quicker and easier. The goal is to reduce the sail area exposed to the wind while still maintaining enough propulsion to keep the vessel moving forward.

Benefits of Close-Reefing

By close-reefing the sails, sailors can effectively manage the power of the wind and prevent the boat from being pushed off course or heeling excessively. This technique allows the crew to continue sailing safely in challenging conditions, maintaining control and stability throughout the storm. Close-reefed sails also help to prolong the life of the sails by reducing wear and tear from strong winds.

In conclusion, close-reefing is a valuable skill for sailors to master, as it enables them to safely navigate through stormy weather by reducing sail area and maintaining control of the vessel. This technique has been employed for centuries and continues to be a vital aspect of seamanship in modern sailing.


Close-reefed Examples

  1. During the storm, the sailors close-reefed the sails to prevent damage.
  2. The captain ordered the crew to close-reef the mainsail as the wind picked up.
  3. In heavy winds, it is important to close-reef the sails to maintain control of the boat.
  4. The experienced sailors knew exactly when to close-reef the sails for optimal performance.
  5. As the storm approached, the sailors worked quickly to close-reef the sails before it hit.
  6. The captain's quick decision to close-reef the sails saved the ship from disaster.
  7. It is crucial for sailors to know how to close-reef the sails in challenging weather conditions.
  8. The crew worked together to close-reef the sails and ride out the storm safely.
  9. Close-reefing the sails requires coordination and skill to do it efficiently.
  10. The sailors were relieved when they successfully close-reefed the sails and survived the storm.


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  • Updated 12/06/2024 - 15:26:14