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Bob, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you're referring to the end-plate effect. The argument that is advanced in favor of loose footed mainsails is that the attachment of the sail to the boom generates turbulence along the foot of the sail, and that this turbulence is not present on a loose footed mainsail. Personally, I don't think that small amount of turbulence is a very significant factor, but there are plenty of other benefits to the loose footed mainsail to justify it.
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