[EscapeArtist]

Re: "release the topping lift"

No kidding. One day I was slogging along to windward and looking up puzzled at my sloppy, open leech--even though the main was sheeted in hard.

Sure enough, the topping lift was up tight.

Now I watch for it, and I see boats on the water with an overtight topping lift all the time. I''m shopping for a solid vang right now, it''s the only way to go with these huge roaches.