Depower (flatten) the main by setting the outhaul hard, get the draft (power) as far forward on the sail by setting the Cunningham hard.
Sheet out the Jib just a touch and sheet out the main so there is a luff down the leading edge. This is more like a backwind of the main from the jib.
Keep the jib halyard tight.
You want the jib sheeted out just a touch (but tighter than the main) so that the main luffs first.
Keep the boat flat and it will stay in control.
LOOK AHEAD! for the gusts and try to sheet out to anticipate them rather than to react to them.
9 out of 10 capsizes I've witnessed, the boat rounded up and through, then backwinded the jib to capsize. If you do find youself rounding up out of control, release the jibsheet above all other attempts to recover. If you can release it before it backwinds, you're good to go. ...wrong direction but dry.
So that leaves the question, what is the max windspeed that is practical with a C14?
I honestly just like cruising around on the 10 kt days.
9 out of 10 capsizes I've witnessed, the boat rounded up and through, then backwinded the jib to capsize. If you do find youself rounding up out of control, release the jibsheet above all other attempts to recover. If you can release it before it backwinds, you're good to go. ...wrong direction but dry.
This caught my attention... what is the difference between this and heaving to? Does rudder position make the difference in preventing a capsize or is it a bad idea to attempt heaving to in this boat?
Are you suggesting the trick is to slow down a bit before tacking and starting the heave-to?