proper configuration ?

Assuming 25-30 knots and the waves they cause in a big lake, what would be the proper sail-traveler-sheeting configuration with a raked back mast ?

I ask this because this past Sunday I had to go out and rescue a crew on a brand new 16 on those conditions. It had been a while since I sailed a 16, let alone a brand new one with its mast raked all the way back. In order to get any decent forward motion heading into the wind and the big waves I had to let the mainsheet out (not block to block), and the traveler out about 6-8 inches from center.

I'm wondering if there should have been a way to sail closer hauled with the mainsheet tight block to block ?

If you and the crew are using the trapeze wires you will be able to sail with the mainsheet block to block at 6 to 8 inches of traveler in higher wind. However under the circumstances (rescue) you did the right thing and I'm assuming you were successful with your rescue, by sailing conservatively to accomplish your goal.

Yes, it was successful thank God, my main concern is it was windy, raining lightly, and getting dark. I did not want to push the boat and capsize with it being almost dark, although we were being chased by a jetski and a glastron.

But, when I sheeted in at that traveler distance at the angle I was pointing the boat almost came to a complete stop, so letting the main out actually worked better but I thought this was not supposed to be so.

It actually is what happens. As the windspeed increases, the drag of the rig exceedes the amount of lift that you can handle. Your only options are to hike harder or sheet out and point lower. Eventually, due to the physics involved, when the windspeed gets high enough, windward progress becomes impossible and you'll either capsize or come to a stop.

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Footing is faster in those conditions. Travel out more sheeted in, and maybe sail 10 degrees lower than maximum height into the wind. It's really a feel thing, the 10 degrees is just a guess, but you need the extra momentum that the extra speed gives to get up the waves and the boat is much more controllable by keeping it on it's feet at speed. With a boat without efficient daggerboards, footing is always faster upwind in a strong breeze with waves.

Thanks for the replies guys, I think you are all right on. Pointing a bit lower at the same configuration REALLY speeded up the boat.

In retrospect what was done on Sunday would have been crazy in my best days, except this was a rescue and a necessity. I'm 48 and have been sailing Hobies since 1983 and had never been out in those conditions after sunset.

One thing though, we are in Central America and outside temperature was about 67 degrees, water temperature was around 78 degrees. But, those water splashes while on the tramp felt like hot showers!!