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Running off becomes progressively more difficult as waves increase
and come at you from different directions. No matter how large or
stable your vessel, even a small wave slap on the bow or stern is
going to create a large turning moment that the self-steering gear
will have to overcome. The biggest risk is of an accidental jibe,
putting you in an unwanted hove to position with headsail backed,
while the boat sits beam-on to the breaking seas.
To avoid accidental jibes, it is typically best to sail 15 to 20
degrees above a dead run. Watch the seas and wind so if there's
a shift, you are ready to adjust the pilot or vane gear. Major wind
shifts are typically accompanied by changes in barometric pressure--sometimes
that change (usually a climb) precedes the shift by a few minutes
to an hour or more. So keeping a close eye on the barometer will
give you an early warning that you should pay attention to the helm.
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