Can you sail with just the main

I'm learning to sail hobies and was wondering if I can sail a 16 with just the main until I'm more comfortable. Will this greatly reduce the speed? Because that is what I would want.
Thanks

I wouldn't recommend it if you're just starting out. Sailing without the jib makes the boat very hard to tack.

If you want to slow down, just let the sail out or only go out in lighter air.

If you are worried about speed go out in lite winds. Going without the jib will have you a master at the 7 point tac.

_________________
Give a man a fire and he stays warm for a few hours,
But set a man afire and he is warm for the rest of his life.

There are better ways to learn to sail your Hobie with confidence than to sail without the jib. Reef the main. point higher. travel out. sheet out. take along a heavy crew. Hold the main uncleated. All the above.
Learn how to right your boat - just in case.....
You'll develop your skills & confidence quickly. Then you'll learn to trap out. (Save this skill for another day).
If you can find a Hobie Fleet in your area - join them!
Enjoy your boat. It's a great sport.
Rich

A 16 without the jib will be very tuff to tack especially for a new guy such as yourself. Catamarans by nature do not tack easily and if you are relatively inexperienced you are more likely to end up in irons. If you are truly worried about speed you can do alot of things better to slow yourself down rather than removing leaving the jib on shore. Just listen to the guys above me.