Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try adding a reef to my main first (less expensive option). Any suggestions on where to locate the reef, or should I leave it up to the sailmaker to decide?

:: when racing I am more likley to use a reef than switch
:: to the number 4.

:: I have both options available, but feel it sails better
:: with the 3 and is just easier and quicker to reef than
:: switch sails in a blow
::
::
::
::
:: :: Certainly an effective crusing sail plan. And has shown
:: :: effective racing plan w/#3 at bottom of range when
:: :: needing to point into the over powered #3 v #4 and full
:: :: main that still foots bottom of range. In ocean at 35
:: :: knots plus #4 ocean cut and reef works and into 40 +
:: :: knots reef with rail lead #4.
:: ::
:: :: mb.
:: ::
:: :: :: I sail with my kids often , found reefing main much more
:: :: :: effective .
:: ::
:: :: :: Using # 4 not so much .
:: :: ::
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Every inventory benefits from a #4 that is 75% 3/4 qrts
:: :: :: :: hoist.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Some #4 in racing inventories are 80% 8/10ths hoist.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: The smaller fully crewed ocean high wind #4 is good into
:: :: :: :: high 20's double handed after which first reef.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Mike Bruzzone.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Since I sometimes sail with a lighter weight crew, I am
:: :: :: :: :: considering adding a set of reefing points to the main
:: :: :: :: :: for use in heavy air. Any opinions on doing this versus
:: :: :: :: :: using a less than 100% jib?
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Thanks, Maryann