As speed increases weathercocking becomes more pronounced due to the pressure buildup on the bow. This is why when surfing downwind it is nice to be able to lift the bow out of the water a bit and drop the stern to even out the pressure differential. It will take a steeper faster wave to finally broach you. So if one is expecting do do a long fast downwind leg it is definitely beneficial to put the heavy gear in the stern hatch and push it to the rear. Not nice to leave it there though when it is time for an upwind leg, especially if it is slightly off the wind. You will end up struggling to point upwind and over develop one shoulder.

A skeg is the obvious solution to prevent the stern from breaking out as the bow digs in.

I never used to put in skegs, but in the past few years, as I have gotten older, I have come to like them. One doesn't use it much, but it's nice when it's needed.

Et