Alan,
Sounds like you are doing it correctly. It doesn't seem natural at first, but you'll get used to it. You should try doing it with a motor hanging behind the boat like I have. It's a real pain.
This winter, you should get copies of some of the sailing videos that are out there. Hobie has a couple and Rick White (the owner of this site) has a whole series of instructional tapes. Also, check around for cataraman sailing books by Phil Berman, Jake Grubb or Rick White / Mary Wells.

Jack Hoying
Prindle 18
Fort Loramie, Ohio