A.D. 1824, April 15. - No 4943.

Tonge, Daniel. - "Reefing sails".

The top-sail is divided into two parts called the "topsail head" and the "topsail foot". There is an additional yard between them to which both sails are secured. The "topsail head" has no sheets, but is fastned fast to this yard. Across the "topsail head" are bolt ropes, at convenient distances for reefing, and corresponding reef pennants are affixed thereto. To reef, the upper yard is lowered away till one of the bolt ropes is on level with the additional yard, or until the upper half sail is entirely behind the lower half, the reef pennants are hauled down and the sail is thus reduced.

Instead of reef tackles, reef points in the head of the "topsail head" may be employed.

[Printed, 6 d. Drawing. See London Journal (Newton's), Vol. 9, p. 303]

Patents for Inventions. Abridgements of Specifications Relating to Masts, Sails, Rigging, &c.; Including Apparatus for Raising and Lowering Ships' Boats. AD 1625-1866.
Office of the Commissioners of Patents for Inventions, London, 1874. 8vo, 14.5x8.5 cm, xvi, 254, (2) pp.

Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius

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