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