I wouldn't pay a lot of attention to that. The high aspect mains were
popular some years ago when the handicap systems did not penalize an
overlapping jib/genny. Many boats are now built with bigger mains and
smaller (100 percent) jibs. Besides, most raceboats have crew (called
"deck apes" for a reason) to pull in that big jib.

To answer your question, I think that the number is the I measurement,
from deck to mast top.

Good Luck,

Tom
St. Paul, MN
of the Swee****er Sea

Courtney Thomas wrote:
I just read a statement by Uffa Fox that the main boom length:mast height
ratio should be 1:3.

In that his opinion was that racing craft should indicate best cruising
design, I assume this assertion applied to yachts in general.

Does anyone know if this measurement for the mast height would be assumed
from deck level or total mast height ?

Thank you,

Courtney