I agree with Howard that anything over 15-20 degrees of heel is doing nothing for your speed except slowing you down. I would have to differ though on the point that anything beyond 30 is pushing the Monty's limit or putting the boat at too much risk. Although we agree that excessive heel slows you down, I must admit that I enjoy the working the old girl hard once in a while, usually when I am either single handed or just lazy and don't feel like getting up there and tucking a reef or switchin headsails. I know, I know .....reef early. I'm not oposed to reefing at all and often we do it. That being said, I have many times on both the 17 and 23 had the leeward cockpit coming awash with water when just messing around. Never has the boat even hinted of wanting to remain there or go any further. Simply easing the sheets or heading up slightly has always resulted in the boat getting right back on her feet. My personal opinion..and its just that....is that there is no way the Monty 17 or 23 is "going over" in any kind of flat water. You might be able to get the sails flat on the water, but at that point there is no more wind on the sails and the keel is sticking 5 feet out the other direction wanting to "go home!". A huge wave on a big sea, sure it could definitely happen but I feel pretty comfortable standing the old girl on her ear every now and then sailing in the conditions I do. Just my 2 cents. :-) I can't speak from experience on the 15 as I don't have much time on one. Sean M23 Dauntless M23
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