That was the Marilyn, formerly the Overseas Marilyn. It is a break-bulk stick ship operated by Sealift, Inc. I was on that ship for about 7 months, took it into shipyard in Turkey and flew home. I always liked stick ships. In deck department, I just don't think you can make a real sailor without time on stick ships. That's real sailing. Unfortunately there are only a few left, and Sealift has them all, I think. Well, and maybe Red River. I'm sure MARAD has a few mothballed here and there. Wow... it seems like yesterday an AB would have hung his head in shame when admitting he couldn't splice a wire. Now people are surprised when the Bosun can splice. When a relief C/M can get a rig set up correctly the first time, he is now regarded as an old salt. Skills that used to be commonplace, are now rare. Anyway, Here is a pic of it I found on Shipspotting.com http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=453078 And I think I have a video from the tail end of that storm on my site, www.thevoicestoldme.com. Or maybe just stills from it, I don't remember. I don't spend much time or effort on the site.
Not too many tips... just do it, I guess. Well, try to brace up well against your sink, and take the shave a stroke at a time. Hesitating between even short strokes helps me to concentrate on control in heavy weather. I keep it down to a single more or less WTG pass.
Looking for a Ship has given me a little insight into some of your terms - stick ship, AB, C/M... Sounds like a life of constant adventure!