In article ,
"Roger Long" wrote:

Do you think these performance differences will be apparent when not
sailing in close company with an evenly matched boat? Will the gain
on a long afternoon of windward legs make up for the hassle of getting
in and out of the dinghy with the tackle in the way?

That is such a subjective decision. Friends of mine have adjustable
backstays on 22 foot boats and swear by them. I do know that a bit more
tension on a windward leg makes quite a bit of difference when you're
also fighting a current. I'd probably dial up a bit more than I have in
tricky conditions if I had an adjustable, but I'm loath to maintain such
tension all the time.

The last time we were out, I would have greatly appreciated the 5 or so
degrees closer to the wind our friends say we could have sailed: A knot
plus current in the teeth, 2-4 knots boat speed. We weren't in a hurry,
so I discovered that a few degree shift off of up-current was pretty
much doubled over the ground.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/