by yachtie » Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:59 pm
Scott - the kiwi way of us all having the post is probaly due to us constantly sailing in much higher wind ranges where we are less sensitive to leech adjustment during the race and more likely to be adjusting sheeting angle during a gust. Nearly all of us use compression strut vangs which effectively locks the leech.
The post allows the angle changes with no leech change as the sheet pulls almost sideways rather than down.
As Rick, Jack and Jim found out 18 mths ago down here - when it blows, baby it blows [:D]
Most of us down here are still using our A rigs when I believe alot of US guys would be ready to lock up and go home as it is too strong for your C[:p] We regularly sail with A rigs up to gusts of about 15mph before contemplating changing down to B (equiv your C).
We have been discussing just the week some us how we need to do a helluva lot of light airs practice before venturing over your way next year.[;)]
Chris
NZL1 Longtack
NZL110 Swept Away NZL128 Ketch me if U Can