I am located in Maui, Hawaii, and sail a Catalina 30 off the S.E. coast.
The
trade winds normally funnel between the two large volcanoes, often
accelerating
the winds to 30+ kts.


I have sailed in simaliar conditions. We have an Orion 27. It has a bowsprit
and an inerstay with staysail. For up wind I use the staysail and main. For
down wind I take down the main and staysail and sail with the jib. Using the
jib only keeps the boat from trying to turn sideways on the waves. We also have
a full keel with cutaway forfoot. That helps too.


Dick

I have to counter steer very aggressively when running/very broad reaching
to stay
pointed in the right direction. The excessive yaw if I do not tends to
make the
passengers a bit green.