Single Line Reefing System

Fall weather often brings stronger breezes.  Reefing the mainsail keeps the balance between main and jib and is easy if you have a single line reefing system.
Here's my setup for single line reefing.  I've got this rigged on Snickerdoodle for both my first and second reef points; and, can easily tuck in a reef in less than a minute.
I have used a swivel block - secured near the base of the mast - for my cleat.  It is easy to use from any angle in the cockpit.  You could also rig this setup with a traditional cleat near the aft edge of the cabin top.
Reefing is easy - 1 Tighten the Topping Lift (not shown) and sheet out the main; 2 Release the Boom Vang (also not shown); 3 Lower the main halyard while pulling in on the reefing line.  As the main is lowered, the reef is automatically tucked in; 4 Ease the Topping Lift; 5 Sheet in and set the Boom Vang.  You are now reefed.  I don't tie up the middle reef points unless I plan on being reefed for the rest of the day as around here the strong winds often blow themselves out in an hour or so. 
Shaking out the reef is just as easy... simply reverse the procedure above.
Practice this on a light wind day so that you get used to each step.

Flattening Reef

One of the neat ways to depower your mainsail when the wind pipes up is to have a flattening reef.  The flattening reef looks a lot like a Cunningham grommet that has been installed in the leech of the mainsail about a foot or so up from the clew.  Set up your reefing line as shown in the picture above.  Tightening the flattening reef line will flatten and depower the bottom third of the mainsail; AND let the top third twist off in the puffs.  This will allow your boat to sail flatter and faster in stronger breezes - - but not so strong that you want to tuck a full reef in.

I have a longer length of reefing line for Snickerdoodle and have the whole setup rigged so that the reefing line leads to the mast and then down to the deck and back on the cabin top like all of my halyards and other reefing lines.  I can easily tuck a flattening reef in the main in about ten seconds.  I simply release the boom vang, ease the main sheet, and pull in and secure the flattening reef line.  The flattening reef is now set and I re-set the boom vang and sheet in the main sheet.  Shaking out the reef is equally easy - - just in reverse.

If your mainsail doesn't have a flattening reef yet, this might be a great winter project.