Hi Wouter -

I disagree with you slightly on a couple of things in your description, but for the most part, you're not wrong. Those priciples translate across platforms pretty well. I appreciate that there are pics posted showing people sheeted waaaaay out on these boats, but by no means were all teams doing it this way. In fact, even some of the teams shown did not do it the same way every time - most (as Matt noted in the referenced post) tried different things until they hit on something that felt right. Judging overall skill from a snapshot is a dangerous practice. Maybe Paul and Mary Ann had been on a Blade before the event - but I'd bet it was once, and it wasn't blowing 25. Familiarity with the systems is achievable in short order - familiarity with the nuances comes slower. I would just say that some of the posts in this thread might lead one to underestimate some of the teams that sailed.

Also, as Matt said, some teams did in fact figure out very quickly exactly where to be and what settings worked best - it can and does happen at every Alter Cup, no matter what the boat. I am always in awe of the people who demonstrate such versatility and "feel" for a boat they have never touched before.