Sails: 135LP genoa and Pandora main. Backstay at 3.
Put a reef in the main at the start of sailing. Due to the winds, there were two foot waves rolling up the river.
The combination of a reefed main and 135LP genoa worked well in these conditions. Seeing as much as 20kts apparent on the wind instrument when close-hauled. Sailed out to Greenbury Point, tacked to port, continued out a bit and turned back as the conditions were a bit unsettling for my wife. The second time we headed out, she was impressed by how the boat settled down and rode the wind and waves to windward as we headed back to Greenbury Point.
Curtailed the sail early in order to prevent the experience from becoming one that would be regretted. Believe that she came away with a sense that the boat is quite capable in these conditions.
GPX formatted track Distance: 4.8nm, estimated average speed: 4.9kts, estimated duration: 0:58