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