In the absence of an adjustable backstay, changes in sail flatness and
draft position (to accommodate wind ferocity) are made by adjusting
halyard, outhaul, and sheet tension -- and maybe the vang if one sails
sans traveler. My question is: does creating a concavity in the luff
by bending the masthead sternward offer an additional capability or is
it just an alternate, easier way to adapt to increasing winds? More
simply: are the results _significantly_ different/better or just more
easily achieved?
Regards,
Bill Combs
WWP 19 #439 (Aug 1987)
"Ursa Minor"
Fort Walton Beach FL
ttursine@gnt.net