David, I'm curious to see what you find/conclude, as I'm planning on ordering a full set of EP sails soon, and also want to have a good system for sailing in strong winds. I guess another way to phase this question in a testable way would be- what size jib keeps the M15 balanced when double reefed? If the storm jib is too small to balance a double reefed main, I also question it's usefulness for heaving to. I still haven't got to sail my M15 yet so I could be way off base in terms of it's balance, but from my experience, most sloops heave to better under the main alone (per instructions in the Pardey's book Storm Tactics). Backwinding the jib tends to push the bow off the wind in a blow, and causes serious chafing problems if heaving to for extended periods of time to weather out a storm. I purchased a small military surplus parachute sea anchor, which I plan to experiment in rigging like this on the M15 for emergency heavy weather: http://www.para-anchor.com/images/faq.za12.jpg I'm also still planning to go to the Sea of Cortez this October, assuming my boat is ready and well tested in time. Sincerely, Tyler Davis, CA M15 ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Grah" <d_b_grah@yahoo.com> To: "montgomery boats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 5:48:44 PM Subject: M_Boats: Small Jibs for Montgomery 15 I am interested in the groups thoughts on small jibs for my Montgomery 15. I have always been a little slow to reef. For instance, I was out with one of my brothers and one of his kids in the Montgomery 15 out of the Berkeley Marina in the San Francisco Bay in some typical summer wind. The wind was comfortable without reefs or a small(er) headsail with my 200 pound or so brother helping me hold the boat down. I did notice once we were out that every single other boat around, most in the 30's of feet long, were all reefed. I have never had the option of a smaller jib on this boat. Doing it again, I probably still wouldn't have reefed that day with the ballast I had along. Still, reducing sail area is something I should be able to do, especially as I start to venture off shore a bit more and further away from harbors. My main has a single reef, which I have only used once. I am planning a trip to the Sea of Cortez this October. Jerry Montgomery mentioned the idea here and I liked it so am planning to go. Any body of water has stories of how strong it can blow there, and the Sea of Cortez is not exception. Because I would like to be able to venture out a ways while there and be able to get around if the wind does pick up, I figure I should get a smaller jib and a second reef put in my main for those windy times. My sails are Elliot Pattison and I have been very happy with them. The jib is a standard one. I asked Elliot Pattison for a price for a storm jib and he wondered if an 85% jib might make more sense. He said the storm jib is probably best for heaving to in over 25 to 30 knots of wind, as opposed to sailing which the 85% would be better for. I do like strong wind and the ability to sail in it, plus it seems prudent to be able to continue to function as the wind climbs uncomfortably. I haven't heard of Montgomery 15's with more than 2 reef points so assume that 2 is a reasonable maximum. In addition to wondering what size jib would allow me to progress in as strong winds as it is reasonable to make progress in a Montgomery 15, I wonder what size jib would best match a typical Montgomery 15 main with two reefs in it. What are the group's thoughts? Thanks so much in advance. David Grah Bishop California Montgomery 15 - Sky