Of course, when we practice and see what works the best it's not in dire conditions. The last time we played around with it was somewhere off El Salvador while waiting for 'Wahoo' to arrive.

After trying a number of different configurations she seemed to work best with only the main up with the first reef in. If I put any headsail up the whole idea didn't work and she would fall off drifting sideways. I think it had something to do with the amount of freeboard at the bow. I remember hearing that a guy in his Cal 40 had to do the same thing (main only) but then the Cal doesn't have much freeboard so I'm a bit stumped.

I guess that we're fortunate in having such a large boat with a big engine. Unless I find a better way to heave to it will probably end up being the main only thing with the engine on at a bit more than idle. That's what worked during the practice sessions we made.

In 40/50 knots of wind all the dynamics may be different. For that situation we will just have to wait and see what happens.