This weekend, during a 15 mile race, we had winds of 15-20 on a beam reach. We put up the 100% blade and un-reefed main. The blade was barber-hauled to a pad eye on the rail. Only two abord. We were making steady 7.5's with 8 knots not uncommon. No heavy helm.
Don't modify your rudder - trim the sails.
