Just a personal note on the heavy weather capabilities of an M17. If you check out the pictures of the M17 "Thompson" on the MSOGphotosite you'll see a picture of her beating to windward in 30+ knots in a race here in Havasu a couple of years ago. _http://msogphotosite.com/MSOG/b17thomps/b17thomps11.jpg_ (http://msogphotosite.com/MSOG/b17thomps/b17thomps11.jpg) I had sold the boat to my buddy Jason after acquiring our M23 and was crewing for him during the race. We were reefed down with a small working jib up and the boat was doing great. In fact, many of the much larger boats in the race had already dropped all sail, retired and were heading in under power. We finished the race and then sailed her home! Can the M17 handle heavy weather? Yes, I think so, but I also read a comment that I think rings very true. MUCH depends on the crew, and this is not just for an M17 but for any boat. If you want to sail in heavy winds you need to work up to it and learn how your boat needs to be set-up to be able to handle those winds under control. I used to be very nervous about getting caught in heavy winds. And eventually, if you keep ratcheting up the wind-speed, any crew or boat is going to reach it's comfort level where sailing switches from being fun and safe, to scary and out of control. But, I have learned that if I set the boat up properly (1 reef, 2 reefs, storm sail, working jib, whatever) for the conditions, I am amazed at the conditions that I am able to go out and sail in comfortably. Jo and I have built up to sailing in 30 knots incrementally. Just my opinion, but to do it safe it takes the skill and experience of the crew, the proper equipment (if you can't tuck a reef safely quickly and properly, or make a headsail change to the correct size headsail for the conditions, it's not going to work),and a capable boat. I can speak personally for the M17 and M23, they are CAPABLE boats! I love my Monty!
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