Steering by CLR and/or CLE.
In
Hawaii we sailed an outrigger cat. canoe with a fellow from Hilo.
( Lots of
history, really great guy, and great experience. A "Must do".)
I was amazed by the
steering. Useing only a paddle - Push down to come up - pull up to go down
wind. It was all about changing CLR relative to CLE. That related to
wind surfers, which simply move CLE. So, that leads to the conclusion that balance of CLR to CLE is more important than the
rudder, which adds drag.
Hull form ( width) only relates as it changes CLR at angles of heel. Usually less heal off the wind, so stern width is less relevant than balance. Many
hull forms lack bouyancy forward , so they
lift the stern and "plough" to windward.
BPII