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Running downwind you'll get weather helm from plain old torque. That long boom way out to one side will produce weather helm by levering the bow to windward. Reefing gets that under control.
I imagine I reef somewhere around 15. The boat isn't in trouble at that point, it's just less work to sail. Jibing in 15-20 is a lot more manageable when reefed, too.
Sounds like you had a good introduction to heavier conditions. Full sail and gusts to 25 without any loose bladders or screaming, that shows a lot about your boat and your control. Try it with a reef next time, your boat will give you a more gentle ride and get that tiller back amidships.
I use Bruce anchors most of the time, and I've got a fortress as a backup. With adequate scope and ten to twenty feet of chain at the anchor they work well. The only time I've drug was on a rock bottom. I'm always up quite a bit at night to check on things, and a GPS anchor drag alarm helps me sleep between checks.
Gee, comes to mind it's time for another overnight somewhere. Gotta work on that.
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Catboat Forum
Went sailing last night with gusts to about 25 -- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/16/08 6:10p.m.
Where was your centerboard? 
-- Tom Ray -- 7/16/08 6:23p.m.
-- Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI -- 7/18/08 4:18a.m.
-- Roger -- 7/17/08 6:04a.m.
Full sail in gusts to 25, that should build confidence! -- Carl, Horizon Cat/Picnic Cat, Central Texas -- 7/17/08 7:11a.m.
