-1- Speed is EVERYTHING. You may even ride a wave under an angle as long as you have sufficient speed

True

-2- ride by steering on your sails and with only the help of the luff rudder. Keep the lee rudder out.

False - Both rudders need to be down but not locked. This goes back to item 1.. speed is everything. The more rudder you can get in the water the more speed you can develop into the next wave.

-3- Both crew in the luff hull and both near the mainbeam. NOT in front of it, NOT near the rearbeam and then just sail the boat. If they rudder kicks up but you still have speed than stay where you are and adjust you sail setting to keep speed and some form of steerage. Slowing the boat down and get to the rudders = STUPID, Getting the leeward rudder = DOUBLE STUPID

False again. In those huge waves by sending the crew forward it would keep the boat from tipping over backwards. Many boats tipped over backwards that day that didn't send their crews forward. The I20 steers 100% better as soon as the rudders can be locked. If you think it is deep enough go ahead and lock the rudder between waves. Once the rudder is locked it goes back to item 1.. speed, you can get a lot more speed with the rudder locked down.

-4- If you have a jib then never uncleat is and have it pulling all the way. Steer, if you have to by sheeting in a out on the mainsail. Don't centre your main traveller, keep it out as well.

Mostly true - I steer with my main traveller mostly. I start with the main loosely sheeted and travelled down about 2-3 feet.

-5- Set as soon as possible the luff board. Even a little board in the water makes a noticeably difference and makes steering by the sails alot easier. Yes even 6 to 7 inches will make a difference and you only need water a foot deep to stay clear of the bottom that way.

True again.

And your use of the word "stupid" is insulting in this case.

Wooter, I'd call you "stupid", but that would be an insult to stupid people.

Mike Hill
www.stlouiscats.com