reef-points as taut as possible; then haul on the halyards till the sail is once more properly set.
To scandalise a mainsail. So as to reduce the area of canvas rapidly in a squall, or as a precaution when about to jibe in a strong wind, the mainsail can be scandalised. This is done by tricing up the tack of the sail with the tricing line and lowering the peak.
To set a Jib. In the first place, if they are slack, the bobstay, the bowsprit-shrouds, and the topmast-*stay must be hauled taut in succession. Then lay the jib on the deck forward, with its tack turned to the bows. Hook the tack of the sail on the traveller and the halyards to the head-cringle of the sail, not without looking aloft first to see that there are no turns in the halyards. Pass the jib-sheets through the comb-cleats or the leading blocks, and tie an overhand knot at the end of each sheet, to prevent its running out through its fair-lead when the jib is flapping about. Fasten the jib-sheets on to the clew of the sail, and if clip-hooks are employed for this purpose mouse them with twine.
It is usual, when setting a big jib, to first hoist the head of the sail about half-way up with the halyards, then to haul the tack out on the bowsprit, and lastly to hoist the halyards till the sail is right up; but with a small sail it is better to haul the tack out and belay the outhaul fall before pulling on the halyards; for, unless it is blowing hard, it is easy so to handle the sail as to prevent it falling
