We sail on a lake in central Texas that is now a canyon due to its being down over 30'. The winds here are wicked. Variable, puffy, and pray for grace if you get caught anywhere near one of the typical thunderstorms. (Out-flow/mico bursts are crazy).
To that point, I sail a pretty 'tender" boat with a ballast ratio around 24%. (Here is a write up for my specific boat on ballast and heeling.
The "Science" of Ballast and Heeling for a Catalina 22 ). My biggest fear is that in a knockdown, something will encumber the mast (like water in a sail or water in the cabin) that will not allow the boat to right.
I've even worked out a few plans to make sure we right, just in case.
With that said, I strive to keep her feet in the water and my lady (the admiral) happy. Considering my working jib is toast and all I have currently is a 135 genoa, on certain days it requires I start with a pretty flat main, vang engaged, traveler correctly positioned before I fly the genny. In other words, I want my main to have minimal "power" and only help balance the boat/point. Additionally, as the wind builds/falls off, I will reposition the cars for the genoa sheets to add/remove power once it is up. If things really get crazy (wind flipping about and really gusty) I'll drop the headsail, shake the reef out of the main, and sit back for a while and relax.
Its a lake, the only place I have to go....is to go sailing and enjoy the ride.
MZr7