I had always sailed my Prindle 18 with jib and main cleated bearing off or heading up in gusts or lulls. Sunday I went out single handed on the Barnegat Bay in 10 knots with ocassional sudden gust to 15 + knots. I played the main sheet the whole time instead of altering course when the wind speed changed. I noticed a big increase in boat speed.
Thanks to all for the tip.
Doug