That's right Mary. You got it.
The parking a cat thing is also covered in Rick and Marys book "Catamaran Racing for the 90s" but I somehow assumed it would also work hands-off. It would if the boat were to only drift backwards because that would pin the rudders over. In practice the "oscillation" kills that and the slightest forward motion straightens them out causing the boat to initially luff up and either tack or fall off while picking up speed.

I'll also be sure to try the old "SBflyer rolling hitch on the stick trick as that sounds like a Smart move ;-)

Dennis