Pole length is largely determined by the sail, or more particularly, the foot length of the sail. I recently switched from an F18/heavy (21 sq metres or about 228 sq ft) to a Nacra 6.O chute of roughly 350 sq ft, and with a 12' pole, my sheeting point went from the front beam to the rear beam. The smaller sail actually wanted a slightly shorter pole, in the 10' range, to sheet to the shroud and cut down on lee helm when trying to sail hot. The Formula rule of not more than (I think I'm remembering correctly) 30" past the bows is a good rule of thumb for a moderate, relatively bulletproof setup. Of course, I'm one to speak: My new pole extends very nearly FIVE FEET past the bows of my P-19...oh well...it'll be fun!

sail fast