Hi Hakan and Geoff,

I find that when the wind is above 15 mph, my boat really comes alive downwind.

However, above 20 mph sustained [ and throw is a very gut busting gusts too ], the boat turns into a rocket ship and approachs the speed of the wind itself.

Oh yes, you are on the edge. Throw in some 3-4 foot waves and life is most definately in 'fast-forward' mode.

A South African Uni sailor posted here, to call a square top main, in those conditions, a 'pitch pole machine'. I agree.

In the 'last moment moves',...after praying out loud,...I reduce the sails' surface area to the wind.

How?

Against your logic, pull in the trav as fast as you can. and pull in the mainsheet. Maintain your steering as deep as you can [ 165-170 degrees off the wind].

You will reach the bottom mark PDQ,.....then you have to figure out how to round...:-) !

..sounds like fun!

regards,

Bruce
St. Croix
I17