The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

Sailing the straight line is faster downwind unless the winds
are light and fluky. Given any decent wind the boat with
chute going directly from point to point will beat some
geek chasing lay lines and looking at polar predictions
every time. That's a fact. I suggest you go watch a few
more races and you will see just what I mean.

"Thom Stewart" wrote in message ...
My Friend Neal,

Please don't try racing. At times you are enough embarrassement to the
ASA without proving it as a fact. Besides you can't race with those
potted plants sitting on your self. stay on your mooring.

If you know anything about anything, the rating on the "Banana Boat"
would be so slow you'd have to race in the cruising class. That my
friend in a class that doesn't allow Flying Sails. For your information
your Assy. Spinn is a flying sail. Not allowed. However, that blown out
Main of yours might work as a good downwind Chute :^)

Now, about "AM CUPPERS" going downwind. Neal, If you've ever watch the
races, you've must have seen them turn the weather mark where one vessel
will choose a Gybe SET and the other will choose a BEAR AWAY SET. Even
with SPINNAKERS they are working on wind ANGLES for their downwind runs.
They know which way the wind is blowing. They send crew up the mast to
assure this. Why Oh Seaman Supreme, does this happen?

Also, If you have an ASSY you must also be aware that is an off wind
reaching sail. Even poled out it is more efficient cracked off dead
downwind, aren't you?

Ole Thom