Thanks, Jake,



Yes, when I said "running downwind", I meant on a broad reach. I'm scared enough of an accidental jibe that I never go straight downwind anyway.



I am surprised that you say a cat can go faster than the wind on a broad reach, I knew that was possible on a beam reach or a close reach. And yes, the details of why this is possible would be very interesting indeed!



So if I interpret your message correctly, I'm not all that vulnerable to a puff on a broad reach, but you are also clear on the measures to take if I do encounter a strong one.



I do have a jib, so this is all directly applicable. I'll try to add this, together with other feedback received, to my "cheat sheet" and post what I come up with later today.



Jonathan