Jack is right, you can't have a jib any bigger than around 110% on a B & R rigged Hunter with outboard shrouds and no backstay. The big mains with large roach can make up for the small headsail, unless you have a roller furling main. The early 90's and 80's Hunters with B & R rigs had backstays and inboard shrouds and can use big genoas.
We use our code 0 every chance we get in our cruising club class races downwind, on broad reaches, and close reaches up to and inside 60 degrees in light winds and have a blast with it. And do well on those legs against Catalinas and Beneteaus with 150's up. But the course to that next mark seems to always be a close haul.
I've sailed for 30 years and thought I knew a lot and had a fast boat, that first race last year really opened my eyes! I didn't know crap about going upwind and my boat was no where near as fast as I thought. But the crew and I are having the time of our lives out on the race course.
We've been in about a dozen races and have learned a lot. Got new sails about a month ago and didn't like the shape I was getting on test sails, so the sailmaker came out for a sail. That was even more eye opening, so much more to learn! And it is so cool to see what a pro can make your boat do. No matter how good you think your skills are with your boat, they aren't as good as you think (everyone overtrims).
Feathering prop, removing weight, clean bottom are all important, but perfectly trimmed sails are really important. My next move is to find the right teacher and get some lessons.
Good luck Lynn!
