Smyth reefs, I've seen it. He reefed his 25c in 20+kt in the 2000 Nationals. Hell, we were all reefing.

Steppin' and fetchin' to keep the overpowered boat under control isn't fast... think about it. You're too busy "losing rudder control" and "stuffing the bow" and not actually sailing.

You don't have to believe me: read Gavin leSueur's MULTIHULL SEAMANSHIP. And reef for the gusts.