Nice write up Rich. I have heard from other M15 owners that the M15 sails better with the smaller jib and no reef as the first step as well. I would be hard pressed to make room for all of those sails when I am out cruising :-) Your comment "If you plan to sail an M15 in 30 knot winds on San Francisco Bay, I recommend two reefs and a Bible." lso brought a good chuckle. I used to avoid winds over 25 kts but looking at the CA winds in the Channel Islands I may have to re-think that. I have been out a number of times in 30 kt winds with my new Gaff Cutter rig and with just the 20 sq ft staysail and a double reefed main it has handled gusts in the 35 kt range quite well. The big waves may be a different story though as so far my heavy wind experince has been in more protected waters. Thanks Doug Kelch ________________________________ From: Richard Cottrell <rc2222@pacbell.net> To: Montgomery Boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.Xmission.com> Sent: Thu, May 13, 2010 7:19:17 AM Subject: M_Boats: double or single reef Hello fellow M15 sailors, When I bought "Really" in '96, I purchased a new 4.5 ounce main with double reefs from Hogin Sails in Alameda. I sailed out of Port of Redwood City on So. SF bay. I never hesitated putting in the first reef and never found it necessary to put in a second one. Often, I was too lazy to shake out the reef when it really wasn't needed. I eventually decided to purchase a Lapper and a storm jib. Since then, I found "Really" sails better with less jib and no reef, except when necessary. Several years ago I purchased two new mains. One, 4.5 ounce, with one deep reef for heavy winds and a 3.5 ounce with no reef for lighter winds. I'm pleased with this setup. The reasons are: 1) Two reefs cost more. 2) Two reef points with ties disturb the air flow. 3) I feel too much jib is more of problem than too much main, most of the time. 4) I like to hike out during gusts, which I think is very effective. 5) I now reef only when it's really necessary. I now sail Lake Don Pedro, Lake Tahoe and Trinity Lakes. I love my choice of sails, which include two mains, 144sf gennaker, 144sf spinnaker, 150% drifter, standard jib, Lapper, storm jib, and the 15sf stormy, storm jib, which came with the boat. If you plan to sail an M15 in 30 knot winds on San Francisco Bay, I recommend two reefs and a Bible. Rich Cottrell M15, Menlo Park "Really" _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!