[quote=MN3][quote]Got a big gust, which lifted the hull, and pushed the bows in pretty deep, and slowed boat quick. Do gusts always push the bows down?[/quote]
Always? no
but on a reach that becomes a sceaming reach ... not surprising for the bows to stuff and the boat come to an almost stop as they bob back out
upwind and downwind it's easier to handle a big puff with standard techniques
it's the in-between-(death)zone- that is exciting and prone to surprises
If you can manage your weight and mainsheet - it is usually "rideable" - just move back a bit and sheet out the main a bit. if you or crew isn't on the wire (in your T) might be hard to prevent and if they are on the wire - they may "stuff" forward and make it worse :)
[quote]Go deeper into full downwind? I have been hit before with enough to dive even then.[/quote]
YES - deeper - other options sound wet
also move weight aft, reduce or even dump the mainsheet if your bows are going under[/quote]
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