You need to learn to play the mainsheet and sail lower in the grove. Dump the mainsheet as the pressure increases (i.e. before you're over powered) so you keep the boat flat and pull the mainsheet back on as the pressure decreases, it's real balancing act...
...so it's generally better to point lower, steer through the waves and dump the main as required to keep the boat moving forward at all times.
...also ... at the top end wind speeds... easing the vang a touch...
How far forward are you in the cockpit? I find that when I get even with the dagger or almost in front of it I have an easier time staying flat.
the question -- in heavy wind, is it better to detune the sails to keep the boat flat or let the sail luff a bit??
here are the specifics -- I am 53, 145 pounds, sailing on buzzards bay. radial sail. I do not race but have all of the most recent riggging upgrades. boat is 5 years or so old
the last few weeks -- we have had steady winds to the tune of 15-18-20 mph early and mid afternoon) with gusts to 25.
so, I have the cunnigham pulled as tight as I can (grommit to or just below the top of the boom), the outhaul as tight as it can be, vang tight -- but I need to loosen it up some on a reach as the end of the boom hits the rolling 2-4 foot waves. hiking out as far as is possible. t I even have the centerboard raised a bit at times on a beat
I cannot keep the boat flat
my kids use the 4.7 sail -- a few days ago, I could not even keep the 4.7 flat
so -- is it "better" to sail with everything as tight as possible and then when all else fails, let the sail luff, or loosen things a bit and let the sail luff even more
just curious
mark
ps -- it was awesome sailing
To add.
*I've sailed lasers upto 50 knots