Simon,

You are not the only one to have trouble in high winds and choppy seas. (30 knots and 1.5 m chop would be difficult for many experienced sailors). You have allot more to contend with and timing is much more important. Don't tack in the trough of a wave because the oncoming wave will just throw the bows back and you will either end up in irons or not even get that far.

Try to time it so that you tack so that you can get through the eye of the wind and get the next wave to assist you by pushing the bows around where you want them.

Also watch for wave sets that are smaller or even a momentary area of flat water and tack there.

The higher the wind and waves the quicker we have to be up to a point. Don't be so quick that you pull too hard on the tiller and make the yacht stall. Still be relatively gentle with the tiller extension.

Regards,

Peter