Monohull Cruising: Safety, Reefing Timing, and Insights from Wireless Load Sensors
by Cyclops Marine, Dec 4, 12:50 UTC
Cyclops test sail on a Bavaria C50 © Cyclops Marine
Monohull cruising: safety, when to reef, and what we learned from wireless load sensors
Whether you’re a veteran sailor or developing your skills, tuning your rig is crucial for both safety and performance.
Safety: when is it time to reef?
The timing for reefing will differ based on factors such as yacht design, weight, and sailor preferences, but the priority remains clear: ensure safety and protect your gear.
Your indicators for when to reef will complement visual and tactile cues like helm resistance or rudder angle, but ideally, you should reduce rig power before these signs occur. The heavier your reliance on personal judgment, the less assured you can feel about your safety.
What exactly is a load sensor?
For those new to load sensors, they provide easy-to-use notifications with real-time load data sent directly from your rig to your mobile device or existing boat electronics. Smarttune, Cyclops Marine’s flagship load sensor for standing rigging, replaces existing shroud turnbuckles, easily screwing on to give a comprehensive view of the rig’s dynamic balance.
Displayed via Bluetooth and accurate to within 1%, this immediate feedback allows you to make essential sail adjustments, maintaining optimal rig settings and providing insights into load running through your equipment to avoid damage.
With Cyclops sensors installed on each cap shroud, live load data appears on your boat displays as either raw figures or an intuitive dial, with green, amber, and red levels indicating safety status and offering simple visual cues for reefing.
We conducted a test sail on a Bavaria C50 equipped with Cyclops load sensors to gather insights. With both the mainsail and headsail fully unfurled, the rig load reached 2.6 tonnes—approaching rudder stalling and increasing the risk of broaching or losing helm control. The sensors helped the crew identify that at around 2.2 tonnes, the C50 was nearing the amber zone and approaching red, allowing for an early decision to reef.
This meant that, with limited options for rapid depowering during gusts, the load sensors provided vital data that ensured the safety of both yacht and crew—highlighting the importance of making proactive reefing choices.
Dock-Based Settings
Your dock-based settings can be likened to the tire pressures of a car. When you purchase a new car, as with a new yacht, you know the tire pressure is correct. Over time, you have a known pressure level to revert to—ensuring safety between services.
However, prior to the widespread use of load sensors, yacht owners lacked the ability to maintain optimal rig settings with such precision. With wireless load sensors and recommended tensions from yacht manufacturers, owners can set sail with renewed confidence every time they head to the water.
Longevity
Sailing with wireless load sensors monitoring your rig will help prevent catastrophic damage in the short term. With the correct rig settings, you can minimize unnecessary wear—prolonging the lifespan of your yacht and equipment. There is a wider range of sensors available for various positions, including soft rigging, furlers, and sail luffs.
Performance
Cyclops originally gained recognition in the high-performance realm of grand prix sailing, including events like the America’s Cup and Vendée Globe. Even on a cruising yacht, you can enjoy performance advantages. By checking load data while sailing smoothly, you can establish a set of repeatable settings, allowing for easier, faster sailing, with confidence in the safety of everyone aboard. You can be sure your rig is in the right place.
Many yacht designers and builders offer Cyclops Load Sensors pre-installed, or they can be retrofitted to your current yacht.
For more information, reach out to the experts at Cyclops or learn more here.