On Tue, 3 Jan 2006 11:34:39 -0000, "News f2s"
wrote:


So, thinking about all the rain we have in W Europe, my opinion
(untested) is that the fresh water issue is probably secondary
compared to the design issue.

I agree with most of your basic premises. Both for reasons of inertial
dampening (resistance to roll) and sheer strength, I favour "upsizing"
the mast and the standing rigging for ocean-going boats.

Obviously, for a club racer, keep it as light as you can work with,
because if it's too horrible for your class, you're unlikely to be
even out there.

R.