I don't have a lot of experience but I think you would be faster with a reef in that level of wind. I know it works that way with monos at least... but would make sense for a tri too. Being overpowered loads things up too much, more drag, etc...
but like I said, not a lot of direct experience.
I think that you are probably right about the reef. The last time I sailed with a reefed main was the early 80's on a Hobie 16. It was slow and the Hobie 16 sailors since learned to rake the mast back to depower. I just wondered if any Corsair sailors had tried to apply the same principles. On further thought it would probably take a forestay extension and a recut of the jib to accommodate such serious mast rake.
Cliff, maybe the next time you see Randy you could ask him if he has any words of wisdom on this?
