[Paddlewise] Turning efficiently in high winds - how do you do it?

I had the opportunity to test out my skills in some difficult conditions
this Sunday... winds were 27 knots with frequent gusts that reached 37
knots (according to a local measurement station).  
Knowing the risks of paddling in such conditions where the water and air
is 37 degrees F, we choose a location that was somewhat sheltered and
safe but offered challenging conditions. 

We found one place where the waterway narrowed after a two mile wind
fetch, the winds at this point seemed much stronger and the waves were
much larger than in the more open areas.  Whitecaps were everywhere. We
put in at a downwind launch point and worked our way upwind - we figured
that if we got in trouble, we'd get blown back to shore.

My boat is fairly new to me, so I was eager to test its capabilities
(and mine) in the high winds.  My previous boat had the habit of
pointing into the wind (Current Designs Sol ST), the new boat (NordKapp)
turns downwind in these conditions.  Theboat paddled by my paddling
partner, a Katsolano (sp?), also exhibited the same behavior as the
NordKapp.  

My question is: after pointing downwind I found that I had a devil of a
time getting the boat heading upwind again... what techniques do you use
under these conditions to gain better directional control of the boat in
high winds?  

I tried a variety of techniques: turning on top of waves, adjusting the
skeg to different positions (up clearly worked best), sculling, boat
tilting, bracing, sweeping strokes - nothing seemed to work well. 

We did a lot of paddling and did a lot of playing in the waves - I was
able to make the turns, but only with a whole lot of work.  What's the
secret to making turns easier?

I've read that drogues can keep the boat pointing to the wind, but I'm
not really interested in this as a solution, it's hard to play with a
ball and chain attached.

	Greg
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