tacking in 2to 4ft waves

[storywritr]

Everything you need to know has already been said above.
Reduced sail helps, and gybing is to be prefered when single handing, I"ve found.
In addition, prepare for wind lulls or reversals when the wind and waves get up to 3 or 4 feet. I always leave my motor down in such conditions, and when sailing in narrow channels, or heavy traffic, ready to get me out of trouble with the turn of a key. the motor also acts like a third rudder when the waves are on the quarter. When the ride gets too uncomfortable for you or crew, furl sail, turn the key and motor back, it's the prudent thing to do.

[taandel]

I'll have to agree with risailor99 -- getting used to tacking a very light sailboat takes some practice and pesistance. I struggled with my '73 V224 the first season, read about how to set up standing rigging and tacking in the off season, then with some practice, got it down in season 2. In sailing with some friends on a 36 Catalina - I find is simple to tack in the bigger boat.

[gregpecaut]

It's already been said about the boat being light and the seas stopping their forward motion, however, if you keep the jib sheeted in it will back wind and help bring the bow around. Also if you move some weight forward in the boat in these conditions it will come about better. I sail Lake Michigan all the time and we get some wind up here. As far as a storm jib goes, you can make a small one yourself. It will be flat, with very little drive, but you want it mostly for balance, not drive. I just used 3 yards of cotton canvas to make mine. Bought the hanks, put a good heavy hem around it and used the material I had cut off to double around the tack, head and clew. I did a button stitch around the holes where I put the grommets, then some sewing glue then the brass grommets. Same at where my 5 hanks went in. Cost about $70. It would be a lot less if you can find some used hanks. Adding some weight down low and forward will make her sail much better in these conditions. Just bring another cooler of beer along, and stick it up by the vee berth.