REEFING Meaning and
Definition
-
Reefing refers to a sailing term that describes the act of reducing or shortening the amount of sail exposed to the wind in order to control or adjust the speed and stability of a sailing vessel. This technique is commonly used in strong winds to prevent a boat from becoming overpowered, unstable, or in danger of capsizing.
When a sailor decides to reef, they typically reduce the total sail area by folding or rolling a portion of the sail and securing it to the boom, mast, or other designated reefing points on the sail. This reduction in the sail area results in less wind's impact on the boat, allowing for easier handling, improved maneuverability, and reduced strain on the rigging.
Reefing can be done in various ways depending on the type of sail and boat. For example, some yachts have a slab reefing system that involves lowering the sail halfway, folding it horizontally, and securing it with reefing lines. Other boats may have roller reefing systems, where the sail is rolled around the forestay to reduce the exposed area. In some instances, multiple reefs can be taken, allowing for further reduction of sail area if needed.
Overall, reefing is an essential skill for sailors as it enables them to adapt to changing weather conditions and maintain control of their vessel. It ensures the safety and stability of the boat by preventing excessive strain on the rigging and maintaining an appropriate balance between the wind and the sail.
Top Common Misspellings for REEFING *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for REEFING
Etymology of REEFING
The word "reefing" has a nautical origin and is derived from the Old Norse word "refa", which means "to take in" or "to shorten". It was first used in the context of sailing ships and refers to the action of reducing the sail area by folding or rolling in a portion of the sail. This was done to adjust the sail area in response to strong winds or rough sea conditions, ensuring that the ship remains manageable and safe. Over time, "reefing" became the accepted term for this action and has been widely used in the sailing and maritime community.
Similar spelling words for REEFING
- revenaugh,
- roofing,
- re-roofing,
- over-revving,
- Reeving,
- Reveiwing,
- reifying,
- roughing,
- revving,
- de-riving,
- stomach-reefing,
- Reaving,
- raving,
- wide-roving,
- Sea-roving,
- roughneck,
- Roffignac,
- reviewing,
- ravnica,
- reiving,
- reffing,
- rieving,
- Raffing,
- be-reaving,
- Roughing-in,
- Ruffing,
- riffing,
- roving,
- reavowing,
- stark-raving,
- reweaving,
- Riving,
- revying,
- roughhewing.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
