Using the jib to drive the boat down wind keeps the center of effort (the
"point" that drives the boat) well ahead of the center of resistance (the
'point" about which the boat rotates) which tends to keep the boat aligned in
the desired direction of travel and works against broaching (turning
perpendicular to the direction of travel and "tripping" over the centerboard
and chines). We sailed this way under windy conditions at Bruno's Island
recently and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the boat was to control
down wind even with significant following chop. With only the jib up a gust
of wind actually works for you rather than against you from the standpoint of
control. On the other hand, with only 23 sq. ft of sail showing a P-15 will
not be seen moving real fast despite the amount of wind present. But better
safe than sorry?
Dave Kautz
P-15 #1632 Tilly Lucy
Palo Alto, CA