I need to move my boat this week and that will involve a 5 hour stretch across open water. Based on the forecast it looks like I'll have a 25kt wind on the stern quarter. I'm thinking of leaving the main down and using just the headsail for two reasons: First, I'll be on a broad reach and depending on the exact direction of the wind I may need to contend with the main blocking the headsail. Second, I'll be single handing and the thought of going on deck in 25kt winds to add a reef or mess with preventers is not appealing.
My question is, what are the relative merits of sailing with headsail alone? Or just the main? Or should you always strive to use both and trim accordingly in order to better balance the boat?
FYI I have a Hunter 34 and she is a little tender. Maybe I'm doing something wrong but I've yet to find a way to sail her comfortably in 25 knots of wind - at least on a reach.
My question is, what are the relative merits of sailing with headsail alone? Or just the main? Or should you always strive to use both and trim accordingly in order to better balance the boat?
FYI I have a Hunter 34 and she is a little tender. Maybe I'm doing something wrong but I've yet to find a way to sail her comfortably in 25 knots of wind - at least on a reach.