My first voyages in my DS1 this summer found me forgetting to put the rudder in the down position while sailing. In one instance the winds were averaging 10-12 knots with gusts to 18.
I was sailing for more than an hour in those winds when I realized the I had not released the line that allows the rudder to go vertical. The boat was handling exceptionally well despite my oversite. I was able to sail to all points of the wind with no significant issues as to weather or lee helm. I put the rudder in the vertical and felt that I did not have the same comfort of control and actually it seemed more difficult to maintain course.
My last boat was a Magregor 23 Venture Newport (cutter rig) and it also handled well with the rudder in the up position so that is how I left it for nearly every outing.
I was surprised that the DS1 seemed to handle better with the rudder up because the boat is so light.
Looking for opinions and experiences of other DS owners on this subject.