How to Lower the Mainsail

You must lower a mainsail on a sailing boat at the end of a voyage or if the wind is too overpowering for a boat. While you can counter an overpowering wind by reefing the sail, you must lower the mainsail to prevent the boat from capsizing if the wind is still too strong. You lower the mainsail by adjusting two lines alone or with a crew, depending on the size of vessel.

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the bow of the boat into the wind to point the boom (the shaft that protrudes at a right angle from the mast of the boat) toward the stern.

    • 2

      Loosen the mainsheet line to allow the boom to move with the wind. You might find this line attached to the stern or in front of the wheel, depending on the boat.

    • 3

      Release, or direct your crew to release, the up-haul line from the main mast. Haul the mainsail down, and pack it into the sail bag above the book or fold it from side to side and secure it to the boom with sail ties.