Thanks Guys, I can see those points about steering vanes, and they're very valid.
Thanks Tim for the heave to suggestion. Last year while in early learning mode, I'd asked here for recommendations on the sequence of raising and lowering sails, and the concensus I took away was main up, then jib up for going out, and jib down and then main down for coming in. At that time I didn't know how to heave to anyway so it wouldn't have made any difference, but what you're suggesting (now) makes a lot more sense. I think I've had it in my head that the boom needs to be "in the boat" to raise he sail. But sitting here now, I can't think of why I've through that. Maybe slug friction in the slot?
This winter I'm installing a permanent reef line on the leech of the sail (I only have one reef point on my sail) with a pair of cheek blocks on the boom to bring the line to a mast cleat, so the need to have the end of the boom reachable for reefing/unreefing should no longer be an issue. I can always use my adjustable topping lift line to raise the boom end if I need more leverage.
Next year I need to go out to the middle of the lake, heave to, and then tie off a safety line and walk around the boat (all the way around) to understand how (if) shifting weight or balance will impact the stability, as well as practicing reefing under those conditions (before I need to in heavy conditions). I've sat hove to for probably only 1-2 minutes so far just as practice for the technique.
Thanks again- great suggestions