John,

The improvements in boom technology as demonstrated by the Kiwi's Boom
in the last AC Races wasn't accepted by you and Doug as being better?

This long, long discussion was originally about doing away with the
topping lift because the use of the Rigid Vang could do everything as
well, with the exception of a spare back stay. The Hoisting ability of
the Solid vang was questioned.

The hoisting ability of the boom with the solid vang presents a
completely different engineering limit than the topping lift. SHEAR!
Shear creates a serious weakness when hoisting with the boom with end
support. Especially with new booms to make the lighter. The improved
booms of today are not meant for end loading with shear pressure.
This was demonstrated very well on that POS that the KIWI used to
defend the AC.

Ole Thom