I agree and usually try and do the same. You "skid" a bit more with the board up...especially when the wind is on the beam...but take that into consideration when circling....IF you need to pull the board up.My return to the dock is a fast downwind leg 90% of the time. the trick is to lift the dagger-board to 1/2 height and carve an aggressive 25' diameter circle ending with the bow facing up-wind bumping the dock at 1 mph. You will not capsize with the board 1/2 up.