Right: Each reef has a row of short cords sewed at their middle points in grommets in the sail. These short lines are known as reefing points.

Right: To start to reef, tie the cringle in the luff securely to the boom as shown here. Use a square knot with one fall not pulled through.

Left: In a small boat, it's easier to reef with the sails lowered than when under way. In the luff of each reef is a cringle (metal thimble).
 
Right: Each reef likewise has a cringle in the leech. Rig an outhaul through the cringle and pass it over a sheave or eyelet in the boom end.

Right: Roll the sail into a neat furl to bring the reefing-point grommets down to the boom and tightly tie in the points, starting at the luff.

Right: Each point can be secured with either a square knot or a modified square knot. If you use the latter, make sure each loop heads up.

Left: Then employ the outhaul to haul the leech out hand-tight—do not stretch too tight—and make the outhaul fast to a cleat on the boom.

Left: One end of each reefing point is passed under the sail only, not under the boom or the boom lacing, and is then tied to the other end.

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