After reefing the mainsail, the boat still feels overpowered in the gusts. What next?

A. Take the mainsail down completely and try to sail using only the unreefed jib at full size

B. Reduce the front sail (jib/genoa) too — by rolling it in partially (if on a furler) or changing to a smaller sail. Balanced reduction of both sails usually controls the boat better than just reefing one

C. Leave the jib fully out regardless — only the mainsail ever needs reefing

D. Add more sail area to balance things out

A. Take this as an early warning and start preparing the boat for stronger wind now, before it arrives — it is much easier and safer to reef (reduce sail) in good time than to wait until it is already blowing hard

B. Sail faster to try and get back to harbour before the weather arrives, ignoring the current sail set

C. Wait until the wind actually increases before doing anything

D. Assume the dark sky means nothing and carry on exactly as before

A. Difficulty steering means the rudder is broken and must be checked immediately

B. Heeling more is exciting and a sign the boat is sailing well — no action is needed

C. The boat should be sailed faster to "power through" the stronger wind

D. The boat has too much sail up for the current wind strength — this is the classic sign that it is time to reef (reduce the size of the sails) to bring the boat back under easy control