An experienced sailor said that the rudder is primarily used for pulling into and out of port and a sailboat will sail without one.

That sounds right to me. Although my own sailing experience is limited to small dinghies, I know that sailing without a rudder is part of the Canadian Yachting Association's most basic qualification standards.

I learned to do it at about age 10.

But the design of their boat may have precluded jettisoning the rudder.