Set up on your lift. Cast off the points, beginning in the middle and working both ways. Then cast off the tack and clew-cringle lashing; then the pendant. Be sure all the points are loose before hoisting, as you are liable to tear the sail if one is fast.
Reefing before starting:
Before leaving harbor, if it looks breezy outside, tie in a reef, or reefs. When outside, and you can feel the weight of wind, you can then judge whether to carry more sail or not. If close-reefing, tie in number one and then number two over it. This will enable you to shake out one reef at a time.
Running off:
When running off in heavy weather, if you have a jib keep it on her and haul it dead flat; then if she attempts to broach the wind hitting in the jib will drive her head off again. All boats going where winds are likely to be heavy should carry a small, strong headsail to use for this purpose.
Running off in a seaway:
Keep your boom topped up, so that it is clear of the sea when she rolls to leeward. Don’t give the sail too much sheet, as you will find that she will steer better if the boom is at a smaller angle, and be less likely to be broken or to damage the rigging.
Mainsheet:
Always keep a knot in the end of your mainsheet, or else make it fast. If the end gets away you will have trouble.