Roger Long wrote:
Do you think these performance differences will be apparent when not
sailing in close company with an evenly matched boat?

It depends on how much attention you pay to your navigating. Would you
notice 5 degrees of pointing, with less leeway and slightly better speed?


... 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?


IMHO it's not even a question. Is there a way to move the tackle to one
side or the other, or make it less obtrusive? It doesn't have to pull to
the exact center for the same effect, and I doubt you need that much
purchase on it.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King