As Matt had described, slacking off the halyard is common, however he was describing much more radical slacking off than what has been normally done. In my years, I have not ever dismasted a 16 because of a loose rig; however, I did not have my rig as loose as Matt was describing. Last I talked with the Puerto Ricans, many of them were sailing in light and moderate air with their rigs loosened off. I tried it with great results too. Loosening off the jib halyard is a general setting for the sustained wind strength. Traveling the main and jib is what you do to handle the stronger puffs that overpower the boat for a short duration.