Agree with Dan. You cant make much progress against a steep chop with just the mainsail.

Running wing and wing in that kind of weather is not for the fainthearted. Sailing downwind is fun, except for the fact that you eventually have to turn around and bash your way home--which can be slow and wet.

Most times in high winds I'll just sail out on a beam reach and back the same way. Kinda lazy, but I'm usually the only lunatic out there anyway.

You should try sailing overcanvassed on other boats---positively frightening, out of control. By comparison the Ariel rides like she's on a rail.