What is the term for reducing the sail area on a sailing vessel during heavy weather?

The term for reducing the sail area on a sailing vessel during heavy weather is "reefing." This process involves either partially lowering a sail or folding it in a way that decreases its surface area, allowing the vessel to maintain better control and stability in rough conditions. When a boat is faced with strong winds, keeping full sails can lead to excessive heeling or even capsizing. By reefing, the crew ensures that the vessel can still navigate effectively without compromising safety.

Furling typically refers to the action of rolling or folding a sail, mainly to secure it when not in use, but it is not specifically tied to adjusting sails during heavy weather. Tacking, on the other hand, is a sailing maneuver to change direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind, and jibing refers to a maneuver in which the stern passes through the wind. Both tacking and jibing do not involve adjusting the size of the sails in response to weather conditions.