Joe,

From a "Beached Bum;" I don't remember from your picture---Does your Rig
have a Back stay?

Remember, Higher means slower. I've suffered a lot of your pains while
racing a cruising boat---but there are something you can do.

I ease off on my Headstay (about 5" of Sag for a 35ft mast) and
installed a backstay adjuster. It gave me the ability to tighten the
forestay while increasing the force of the Main aft, for upwind work.
Downwind I released the backstay to get more power back into the sails.

Joe, with that new rudder it is very important that you do not (I mean;
DO NOT) get into the habit of using it to point your vessel higher. Up
wind speed is achieved with a neutral helm!

Set your Main up with the Top Batten parallel to the boom. (Don't let it
hook to windward) Set your outhaul to wind conditions. Horizontal
wrinkle for light air and vertical for hvy winds. If you're getting
Leech flutter and don't have a leech line, it might be a good idea to
install a flatting reef on the sail.

Also, remember you're sailing a "Knockabout" Enjoy what it give you. (I
learn that from my female crew) You're not going to beat full racing
boats But you can sail with them; on a Hdcp base and not boat for boat.


http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage

http://community.webtv.net/tassail/Pneuma