ncik,

I read the article also.

Are you sure you understand what they are referring to when they state 'forward' of the true wind, as in reaching?

I think it means that as your boat speed increases on a reach, so does the apparent wind, allowing you to sheet tighter, b/c the apparent wind is 'ahead' of the true wind.


Off the tangent, I feel that when the luff curls very much, it is like putting a 30-45 sq/ft 'brake' on the front of the sail. Having sailed on monoslugs with kites, like many others here have, the luff curl is more appropriate, b/c the rig is moving much slower, hence less apparent wind potential. On a cat, the luff should just begin any curl at all, then either bear off a bit, or trim, sometimes both.

Oh, what would Charlie Ogletree say?

Charlie, you there?