I think if you have the newer up/down rudder vs the old twist and stow rudder that was replaced in 2011. Then there are three things to watch out for. #1 the boat grows and shrinks quite a bit depending on outside temp, if the rudder control lines were adjusted it cold weather, they become too tight in warm weather and can make steering difficult. This tight steering would be all the time, even sitting on shore and with the rudder up, doesn't sound like the problem you are describing, the remedy is to adjust the rudder strings.
#2 the rudder sheer pin is very easy to break if you bump the sea floor during launch and landing (in my case 90% of my rudder pin breakages are self imposed, (I bump the ground accidentally). I always walk to the back of the boat and wiggle the rudder before going out, to make sure the rudder pin is not partially broken. One indicator of a partially broken rudder pin is tight steering while underway ,(basically check that rudder pin often and replace if needed, by your description this is also not likely the issue.
#3. If the rudder down line is not pulled down tight and cleated, the water rushing past the rudder can make it tilt back and make steering very difficult. Make sure the rudder down line is pulled tight and cleated, walk to the back of the boat to double check it, when pushing it back by hand it shouldn't move much. This is most likely your problem based on you description. Remedy, make sure rudder is cleated down.
As already described over sheeting the sail (too much sail for the conditions) can also make steering more difficult, remedy, furl the sail in a few turns, or don't pull it in so tight. There are several other thing that can cause the problem, but the above 3 things are the most common. Hope this helps FE
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