Doug King wrote: It also allows the outhaul to be eased
have the clew slide a little bit towards the mast, in order to control the
shape (deeper curvature for going downwind or light winds).


Lonny Bruce wrote:
I must disagree with you just a little bit here, Mr. King. "Deeper
curvature" may be fine for light wind when going in almost all points of
sail, but as a rule, a boat that 'has been set up for racing' will probably
do better with a flat main when going downwind.

And you base this on what... Horvath's aerodynamic theories?

... Think of barn door. That
is the best shape for the main when going downwind in most situations, at
least on a race boat. There may be circumstances were more draft in the
main will get you more performance in a not so finely tuned boat while
sailing downwind, however.

Sorry, I disagree. On the few racing boats where the outhaul isn't eased
going downwind, it's usually because the leg is short and/or there are
more important things to do.

If your theory were correct, you'd see the America's Cup guys tightening
their outhauls rounding the windward mark.



Rick, I am sorry I do not know what boat you own, but if it is a race boat,
then it is a good idea to experiment and learn what all of the controls for
your sails will do in different conditions, on different points of sail.


I agree. The best place to find out about this is firsthand
demonstrations by guys who are out there winning races in your class.
Hot air over the internet has even less value than hot air produced
locally....

DSK