Patent ID: 7650846

Claim:
A mainsail reefing system, comprising: a reefing mechanism including: a drum assembly comprising: a first drum for collecting a luff-end reefing line; and a second drum for collecting a leech-end reefing line; wherein said first and second drums are rigidly connected and share a common rotational axis; a drive mechanism for rotating said first and second drums; and a levelwind mechanism including: a cam shaft configured to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion; and a first line guide mechanically coupled to said cam shaft, said first line guide being configured to move in a reciprocating motion across the width of said first drum for guiding said luff-end reefing line onto said first drum; and a second line guide mechanically coupled to said cam shaft, said second line guide being configured to move in a reciprocating motion across the width of said second drum for guiding said leech-end reefing line onto said second drum; wherein said levelwind mechanism is mechanically coupled to said reefing mechanism for coordination of movement of said line guides with rotation of said drum assembly.