.....
One of my longest channel crossings, south to north was done dead down wind, with rolly sea. Even with a gybe preventer we were slewing round and the main was backing. In the end I decided to take advantage of the last hour and a half of the tide running east, and headed for the eastern side of the Isle of Wight, then gybed and head back to Weymouth.
I was surprised, although marginally better it didn't make that much difference.
Knowing what I know now, next time the genoa will be furled and the engine will go on.
