I know it can be done, because that's how we sailed our H16 the first time. The winds were extreme and I'd never been on any kind of sailboat before (reefed the main and left the jib off). My wife and I managed to sail all around our smaller lake (many tacks) and even ended the day with a violent pitchpole. So to answer your question, a couple of extreme rookies can tack a H16 without a jib (two complete rookies = one slightly experienced sailor) I'm not saying it works easy, but I can be done
Jack