You know 90+ percent of the time I'm just on the Jib anyway. I'm cruising not racing, and the extra 1/2 kt I get out of the main just isn't worth the hassle. Especially in and around the islands where the wind will be shifting every 1/2 mile or so. I actually don't think I raised the main at all last year. And the older I get and worse my knees and shoulders become, just pulling the string for the roller furling jib seems a whole lot easier. With the balanced rudders on Ericsons the little bit of weather helm you get isn't a problem either.
If I want to make a long run say down the straights in light winds, OK I'll rig the main. But short of that I'm getting lazy in my old age.
Kevin Wright
E35 Hydro Therapy