[dpboatnut]

I know they''re for reaching, when the pole goes forward and the guy''s angle gets very small, but they seem to be used only in distance races and not buoy races. Is that correct? So are they a chafe and wear preventative rather than essential bits of gear? How should they''re length be determined, and are there any rules about their use? I seem to recall PHRF allowing them, but that some people quote an (old?) RRS rule prohibiting "outriggers".

Thanks,
-Chad