Sunday afternoon I went to my local sailing club for an informal race. The club uses Interlake 18's, which are similar in size and sail area to my Hunter 170, but they are much heavier and have a different hull shape (hard chines). The wind was over 17 knots (wind whistling in the rigging), so we all reefed our mains but sailed full jib. Only 7 people showed so only had 3 boats out, but it was a lot of fun. Anyway, my question relates to an observation I have made about the 170 compared to other small boats I have sailed (JY15, Interlake 18, Laser, Pico). Sometimes it is fun to take the boat "up on its ear" with water just about washing over the side. I have found on other boats that it is fairly easy to hold the boat for an extended period at this angle of heel, but find it hard to do the same with my 170. Does it have to do with the rounded hull - no chines? I realize from a speed standpoint, heeling that far is not efficient (but sure is fun once in a while), so I'm not complaining - just curious. Anyone else notice this? Any ideas why?