[Zanshin]

I've only done one long haul upwind with over 20 knots all the way and yes, performance was pretty bad with a reefed genoa. There was a thread a couple of days ago showing a stormsail/small genoa that would slip over the furled one - this looked like a perfect option and I noted the manufacturer (on my other PC at home). In order to reinforce the deck for a second hardpoint upfront you would need to "intrude" on the front cabin quite a bit, perhaps a full lateral support. I intend on doing the Pacific crossing in the 43DS as well but think that a stormsail as mentioned above should be sufficient. Plus LOTS of plywood/fiberglass covers for all that window surface!