From USSailing - see link below.:
"As the winds approach and exceed 15 knots, many sailboats should have a single reefing point placed. In large sailboats (greater than 30 feet LOA: Overall Length) the second point, is often placed when winds exceed 25 knots. Smaller boats (below 26 to 30 feet LOA) may have greater difficulty in high winds. Often it is best to sail with a storm jib (25% jib) or, if a beginning sailor, to hoist the "Iron Genoa" ( turn on the motor and take down the sails ). Some large sailboats are designed to sail efficiently and comfortably without reefing in winds of 20 to 25 knots." _http://www.sailingusa.info/weather_and_reefing.htm_ (http://www.sailingusa.info/weather_and_reefing.htm) **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)