First, thanks for all the feedback on the mast bend question I posted.
I'm about to purchase this J/30, but have one final concern. While I plan on racing the boat some time in the future, the majority of my use of the boat will be cruising in coastal waters with just two (small) people.
I've read that the J/30 is a boat that really needs a lot of crew weight to sail flat, and that it can be a bit tender in higher winds. So I know without any rail meat we will be reefing early and often, but I'm wondering how big a problem this will be?
Is this boat too much of a handfull for just a couple people? My wife can drive a boat and trim sails, but I would be doing anything requireing any sort of strength.
The boat has a genny furler and I plan on investing in an autohelm.
We are also looking at a Beneteau 285 but the J/30 is my top choice; I just dont want to get into a situation where I am afraid to leave the dock because the boat is a handful due to its racing abilities.
Any comments or observations woudl be appreciated.
thanks - djm
