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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Reef points

Reef \Reef\, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. Reeve, v. t., River.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind.

Note: From the head to the first reef-band, in square sails, is termed the first reef; from this to the next is the second reef; and so on. In fore-and-aft sails, which reef on the foot, the first reef is the lowest part.
--Totten.

Close reef, the last reef that can be put in.

Reef band. See Reef-band in the Vocabulary.

Reef knot, the knot which is used in tying reef pointss. See Illust. under Knot.

Reef line, a small rope formerly used to reef the courses by being passed spirally round the yard and through the holes of the reef.
--Totten.

Reef points, pieces of small rope passing through the eyelet holes of a reef-band, and used reefing the sail.

Reef tackle, a tackle by which the reef cringles, or rings, of a sail are hauled up to the yard for reefing.
--Totten.

To take a reef in, to reduce the size of (a sail) by folding or rolling up a reef, and lashing it to the spar.

Wikipedia
Reef points

Reef points may refer to:

  • The midshipman handbook of the United States Naval Academy
  • A strap used to secure a sail

Usage examples of "reef points".

Jack was tying down the reef points at the boom, and paused in his work.

The topmen, bent over the yard at that dizzy height, had completed the untying of the reef points.