http://www.sailnet.com/forums/sailbo...essy-sail.html
So Sun late afternoon we were out in 20 to 25 with gusts to 30k. Second reef in the main and about 4 feet of jib showing.
20k was fine but when it gusted to 30k we had the rail pretty close to the water and a lot of weather helm.
We were fine and had a lot of fun despite the messy reefing job, it worked fine.
My question is what happens if it pipes up to 40k or more?
We had the traveler to leeward to depower the main. We had no more reefs to take in. I've done jib only in similar situations and it seems to be pretty good.
I know it depends on the sailor as much or more than the boat and that the Catalina 30 is a coastal cruiser at best and the waves make a lot of difference but what is too much for this boat?
Of course even at 20 to 25 knots when we switched to a beam reach it quieted down so much I took a quick nap on deck.