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Old 04-20-2008
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Faster Faster is offline
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Reefing is, of course, an option but on short course racing many boats will want to avoid the work of shaking out the reef for the off wind legs, and so will invert part of the main to try to get by.

Having the ability to fully flatten the main helps here, of course.

Carrying a bubble in the main does not really slow you down, the leech is still driving, and keeping the boat upright more than makes up the "bad" trim.

For longer legs a reef (or two) would clearly be a good idea.

btw - go to the song chain to build up your post count!
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Boating in BC waters since the '60s, sailing since 1981.
Currently on our 5th boat, a 1984 Fast/Nicholson 345.
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