The first time my wife and I had ever been on a sailboat was when we took our new Hobie 16 out in high winds. I reefed the main and left the jib off completely. We did OK for an hour or so, but even with the reefed main we had a violent pitchpole to end our day. I think it had more to do with being rookie sailors at the time and I'd recommend reefing if it's possible on you boat.