Owners tackle tough seas

[BON Editorial]

64% of responding Beneteau owners have sailed in uncomfortably large seas, according to last week's Quick Quiz. How did your boat meet the challenge? Did it reef easily and handle with stability? Was your experience invigorating or terrifying? Swamp us with your opinion here.

[dave dabay]

On our sea trials of our new boat, we snuck out Sunday during Hurricane Dennis, in the mouth of the Rappahanock River, winds steady at 25kts. gusting 3-10 more. Unfurled about 40% of the jib and about 25% of the main. Outstanding sailing!! No pounding, just steady motion. We didn't venture into the bay very far but didn't have any problem steering or maintaining good trim. Boat heel was not more than about 10 degrees on either tack.The boat is everything we thought it would be. Hope everyone likes the new 361, as it uses the same hull

[I. Phipps]

Have Sailed my First 26 in up to 45 knots with gusts to 65 knots.Have motored in 70 knots but we were heeled at 35 degrees under bare poles. Regularily go out in 25 to 35 Knots under jib and 2 reefs. Great Fun!