The 26/260 llikes to sail flat. They have literally a ton of water ballast below the cabin sole, but it doesn't really kick in till about 10 degees of list, or so. The boat is initally tender, but then settles down. With a fractional rig, the main is the big driver, not the jib. I added roller furling to my jib as I often single hand, and find it very convenient. I also have all the reefing lines for the main coming back to the cockpit. At 59, I don't like dancing on the cabin to reef. The first reef of the main is at 6 feet, and is very effective. On very windy day, I will sail with the main reefed, and the jib furled. Does a fine job as long as you are not in too big a hurry to get anywhere up wind. Rolling out just enough jib for a storm jib helps too. The spacious cabin with a raised deck and high freeboard can make docking in a crosswind an experience, but its doable with a little practice. You must remember that it is a heavy boat with 4700lbs displacement, without gear. Lots of inertia to contend with. I think that is a positive thing, especially when tacking in choppy water.