Soma,

In reality we collectively did have a little more than 30 minutes training in ocean sailing. We've both sailed in the ocean before - I've done Round The Island in Fort Walton (although that's usually quite flat) and other ocean events several times and had a Hobie 18 I sailed off the beach in Charleston frequently. We do still have a lot to learn about proper surf launching however. I think we were frequently slow through the surf because we were late getting our rudders down so we could sheet in and power up the main. However, we were consciously being conservative so we didn't damage the rudders with a bottom strike.

Regarding experience level - you can learn quickly. I've only been sailing for four years (excluding a few childhood experiences). Every race brings knowledge and prior to this I learned a lot sailing the Round the Island races where we almost always find ourselves sailing at night. I think this Tybee500 has brought me to a whole new level! It's all about getting out there and doing it.