Peter: My opinion; Sailing and Racing in the Rehobeth style conditions in both 98 & 03 are two differant things. You are a racer and not only want to go down wind, but do it with speed. I have never seen a top sailor try to sheet the traveler in downwind. Having the main in some, so you have something to dump, and not being dead downwind, so you have somewhere to go, are both key. Both are very difficult. When going downwind stalling the sail slows the boat down and increases the wind over the boat and makes it easier to pitchpole and harder to jibe. Knowing and doing are very differant. I drove both bows into the mud in 98 in the race you mentioned. I remember the hurricane at A mark(measured real 38knots) and then trying to turn down wind.
I stayed out and started the next race when 11 of the 22 boats that stayed out went over within a minute of the start. Soon after they abandoned. As mentioned above, I watched the Brazil and PUR boats flying. We just don't get the practice in those conditions. The link shows Wally at this years Madcatter showing his downwind form in 30ish. He's pretty good. Practice, Practice, Practice. We all need to hold one of your programs for racing in PUR this winter.
http://portcredit.net/gallery/displayimage.php?album=1&pos=56