In a message dated 6/27/03 6:56:01 AM, RandyG@cite.nic.edu writes:

Another 2 questions for the group:

What is the best point of sail to put the boat into to reef the main?

Randy: I reef/shake out reefs on a close reach. I let the jib carry the boat while I ease the main to the point of luffing. This puts the boom/reefing lines within reach, keeps the boat moving and under control, and allows you to lower/raise the main without resistance.

2nd question. While the wind was strong yesterday I also tried to heave-too. I back-winded the working jib, forced the tiller hard over, and let the reefed main align itself with the wind. Our M-15 held her own during the blow but I was surprised to see I was making almost 2 knots of forward speed, I was also surprised that she did not put her bow into the wind but rather off wind by about 30 degrees. Any suggestions on heaving too?

With the M-15 (and probably the M17 too), I find that I have to sheet the main in a little bit to balance the sail plan and keep the boat pointing up. It doesn't work as well as on a full-keel or deep fin-keel boat, but you can still create some slick to windward and retard speed somewhat. Scott M15 #478 'bebe'