I suspect other reasons that the F18's performed better in the stronger winds (or that the F16's performed worse) is the advantage that a longer hull has in bigger waves.

The heavier weight of the F18 would tend to be slowed down less when smacking into waves as well.

These comments assume of course that there were bigger waves in the stronger winds which is usually but not always the case of course. I wasn't there so I'm only guessing. Andrew?

Rob Wilson.