How To: Flake the mainsail when sailing

Taking down the mainsail is also called flaking the mainsail over the boom. The mainsail is lowered and laid side to side over the top of the boom. Sail ties are then placed to secure the sail. The sailboat should be pointed into the wind or the mainsail will be blown off the boom. If there is significant wind, the mainsail's sheet should be loosened and the mainsail doused. It can then be flaked once the sailboat is at anchor or docked at port.