Vinny,

As Howard stated the original "non comp-tip" mast had an all wire halyard with a second "slug" to secure the main at the reefing height. Your new comp-tip halyard (which is yacht line past the "only slug") does not have this feature, as newer sails do not have the reefing grommets.

The two times I reefed were in winds above 35 mph (two up) and above 25 mph (one up & cold water). No, it's not really necessary, we had the option and used it. In both cases we would have been better off to pack up and go home.