How is this coordinated skipper/crew? For example: crew both or crew downhaul, skipper mainsheet etc.? Is this type of handling typical for F18 or your personal style?
Im principally interested in what you do when the gust strikes, i.e. the 1-2 seconds of reaction to the gust in order to control the boat, not the general depowering.
At least for me, if the gusts can be controlled with the downhaul, the skipper generally hangs on to the mainsheet and can ease it if a big gust hits. When it starts to get past the point where downhaul is cutting it, the crew starts to work the mainsheet and only occasionally readjusts the downhaul set for a good average setting. I find it very difficult to drive smoothly while I'm trying to crank on the mainsheet at the same time.
