I tried similar on my lake. found that if I need to I could use the jib and as it would weather helm just a bit then luff fall off and repeat. was nice to tie the tiller and go below and get lunch. At your service Larry Pegg 11321 Emerald Rd Nampa Idaho 83686 208 249 0538 -----Original Message----- From: George Johnson <jorge1johnson@gmail.com> To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Sun, Mar 21, 2010 8:23 pm Subject: M_Boats: Experimenting with Sails I was fortunate enough to sail on Lake Somerville here in Texas this last week and experimented with different sails. I'd be grateful for any input on similar or different experiences any of you may have had. There were strong winds coming from the south to meet an approaching front. Winds were 15-20mph with much stronger gusts. I took the opportunity to see how the boat handled and pointed with just the main, the main with one reef, the jib alone and a storm jib alone. Waves were minimal since it isn't a big lake. Centerboard down the whole time. The mainsail alone (the original sail that came with the boat I assume, Eliot Pattison): too much for the winds and gusts, kept getting heeled waaaay over. The mainsail with one reef. much more comfortable ride, light to moderate weather helm. The boat would point well but VERY slow speed close-hauled, 2.3kts. 4.5 - 5.2kts on a reach according to my GPS (set on knots). The jib alone ( a 110% I believe), hanked on, not roller furled: Excellent upwind performance! Pointed high on a close reach (45 degrees from true, both tacks) and speedy. 4.0 kts upwind, occasionally 5kts with a lifter ( I was very surprised at this). Close to 5 kts cruise on a beam reach with 5.6kts every minute or two with some of the gusts, fastest according to the GPS was 5.9). Light weather helm to neutral. Very comfortable ride! The storm jib alone (C & C sailmakers, Corpus Christi, TX): Poor performance upwind. Wouldn't point. 3.5 - 4.7 kts on a reach. The main with one reef and the storm jib: Fair upwind performance, but the regular jib alone was superior. I don't have a lot of experience with tuning the rig so may not be giving the main all the advantage it can have, or it may be blown out. Not sure how to tell. I was very surprised and very happy sailing with just the jib. Anyone else have similar findings??? George Johnson M-17 Sancha #600 San Antonio, TX _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!