extreme waves (size and wavelength)

[Hitman]

This is true. Running parallel to the waves causes the ship to roll - possibly even roll over. In a really bad storm a whole convoy would turn into the wind (and waves) and use just enough power to keep themselves stationary in that direction. This practice is called "heaving to". Into the wind is always safest.

And also it isn't very recommendable to show your stern to the incoming huge waves, at least not in a sailing ship! You have a large tendency to lose control of the ship when a big wave is pushing behind your a**s and the bow has an enormous tendency to dive under the water, even if you are not on a submarine!

Bow against the wind/sea is the safest practice