I reef at >15 if we're out sailing hard. Too much weather helm -> rudder-braking -> loss of speed -> stress on steering if I don't...
But when I'm out w/ the fam (7 month old daughter), I'll tie a reef in before I head out in anything but light wind conditions. I'd rather make 5.5 knts at 13 degrees than 5.7 knts at 30 degrees when she's aboard.
Like what's been mentioned. Many reasons for tying in reefs, but machismo is never one of them.
