Two years ago in a long distance race in very heavy air and big waves we started the 20-mile beat with a full main and #3 and vang-sheeted and eased the main all the way out. Soon the main was flogging so we took it down and made good progress with the #3 only. (Our Santa Cruz main has only a flattening reef, so reefing wasn't an option for us.)

:: 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