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Pat-
the auto tack is a bad thing... very, very bad - Wx helm gets so bad the heel forces you full around, no time to unsheet the genny, it backwinds on the windward side and forces you around, or knocks you down. That's why even cruisers in Cat 27s are going back to the tiller.
To combat the dreaded auto tack; you have to (non sailors beware, it's like talking SF to a leg or civvie here):
*sail the shape (foil) of the sails, balance the draft of the genny (flat, no twist, run the car back to spill the leech, run off the center telltales)
*bubble out on the main (force the slot into the luff of the main, full cunningham and outhaul, vang sheet- boom down- to spill the leech, tight sheet with the traveller up and then ease the traveller out for the 1/3 bubble giving the power to the aft bottom 1/3 of the main, balancing the power from the fully shaped untwisted headsail)
- you just can't feel the Wx helm with a wheel when you're shaped wrong, until it's too late.
In your case, with trailing seas - reaching off with the reefed main, and running a storm jib (unless you were on a roller furler, you could have left a tail there too though) would have given you the power and control to side surf and jibe (tack) off wind. a little more distance - but a smoother ride and better speed with more helm response.
Sorry if I lost anybody - ask if you would like a less sailing explanation - althoughg the MFF guys can probably figure out the aerodynamics of the issue.
Damn, I love sailing. Maybe I will take the 6pack course (not beer - CG Charter/offshore captain's course) this winter and change careers.
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In the business of war, there is no invariable stategic advantage (shih) which can be relied upon at all times.
Sun-Tzu, "The Art of Warfare"
Hearing, I forget. Seeing, I remember. Writing (doing), I understand. Chinese Proverb
Too many people are looking for a magic bullet. As always, shot placement is the key. ~TR
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