We don't generally get swells quite that large where I sail in Socal but I love to ride the waves! My P-18 will go down the face pretty well but can dig in. I like to head up if I get overpowered or stuck on a large face but do not sheet in yet. Generally, I have enough boat speed to top the whitecap and while the boat and sails will flay about, that usually gets me through the moment. Hardening up the sails but maintaining the same direction will also work, but my concern would be that the rig would now be tighter and if the boat position shifts slightly relative to the wind, it might make it easier to capsize.

Sheldon
P-18