On Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:02:16 -0700 (PDT), in message

RichH wrote:

Ryk
My headsail size is determined by the best VMG (not speed) I can get.
Many times a too big sail plan will have too much leeward slip when
going 'up' ... drops VMG catastrophically. Its my belief that the
high end race folks match the SA to the optimum VMG for best
performance upwind and thats why it seems that over the years the
headsails are getting smaller and smaller in LP.

The high end race folks go through endless headsail changes to
optimize VMG. Rigs have moved towards smaller headsails and bigger
mains to make it easier to "change gears", as far as I can tell.

Such is also
'easier on the rig' as a BIG LP heasail needs lots of winch pressure
which ultimately reacts to sag off the headstay to leeward, ...
requires more backstay tension, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

Easier on the crew as well. My point was that a cruising sail plan can
include a small jib with no practical loss of performance unless
things go really light.

Ryk

:-)