I also believe you have to put the kite always up (when sailing 2-up) no matter how much wind or waves there are.

On the GC Hans decided to keep the kite in because it was really difficult to hoist it alone, as Wouter said. I on the other hand hoisted the kite and we could sail deeper and faster than Hans.

I also have difficulties to keep the bows up in heavy seas, combined with heavy winds. My girlfriend still has to learn how to trap in those kind of conditions and I hope that is the solution to get the Blade going in those circumstances...

Ofcourse, you always have to keep in mind you're sailing a 16 foot instead of an 18. In heavy downwind legs, you notice the difference...

Gill