Actually my class visited Molde two weeks ago, but only for half a day as we were on a trip with "hurtigruta" to do an assignement in "marine tech.", one of my courses at NTNU. However, we mostly drank beer and chill out instead of working on the project while in Molde.
As you said, my dad and I need to get more comfortable in strong winds. Problem is, there really is not stable, good breezes in the inner Oslo fjord, so when the wind picks up, it usually is extremely gusty. But more experience and balls will give us confidence to go out in the big stuff as well. I think we are getting closer, so next year...
I totally understand what you meant about getting the boat "in the groove". It truly is a wonderful feeling looking up at the rig, all tell-tails are flying, and the windward hull just kissing the water. However, I don't think there's anything wrong in wanting to go fast in a straight line as well! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Regards Jimi