The previous day, the winds were just above 5 knots and the waves were small. In those conditions the sailing was very enjoyable. We managed to jibe and come about, and the boat heeled nicely as we took on speed on a beam reach, and so on. Your typical fun sailing experience.
But yesterday, the wind was blowing just abouve 10 knots and the swells were higher. We couldn't do anything with the boat. Once the sails were up we got "stuck" bouncing around in a position between a beam reach and pointing windward. We could not get the bow of the boat to move far enough in either direction to turn the boat around or tack. We were in this one course and position, with the waves tossing us around. It felt more like being in a bathtub than any kind of sailing vessel.
Eventually I grew frustrated and also afraid because the course we were on had us heading straight back to shore and into the path of many returning boats, with our lack of maneuverability creating danger of a collision. I threw on the engine, pointed into the wind and pulled down the sails and went back to our dock at the marina.
So this was very discouraging. I know that the MacGregors are not "performance" sailboats but this was ridiculous! Unless I can figure out some basic ways to sail in strong winds, it looks like I'm condemned to nothing more than evening sails in mild winds.
in irons without knowing. I have learned to quickly turn the wheel about 1 turn, slightly backwind the jib and center the wheel as soon as boat get halfway thru the tack. I harden up the jib after I have completed the tack. I also fall off a few degrees before I tack to gain some speed. Wrap tape around the wheel in the straight forward position so you know the approximate rudder position.
My 
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