The sock is a bit lower because it is mounted on the pole hence there is a bit more room for the jib. I thought it was a valid reason at the time.

It is different on a cat to a mono, not sure if that makes it better. The chop is still awful with wind against tide. I've swamped a 125 upwind with a "rogue" wave and launched the mozzie off a wave upwind, leeward centreboard was well clear of the water! Infact I prefer winter season with lighter winds and less chop in Waterloo Bay. Last weekend was actually really good, 12-15 knots and building, fully powered up, flat water (for a change). We were hammering upwind with height and speed, the best we've had it going...until the second race start when the boom snapped...doh!