Mary's right - I have seen a very similar-looking issue on other "heavy" boats. Showed up on my old Mystere 4.3, which could never be confused with a high-tech lightweight boat. Not nearly a fatal issue, either - it was a straightforward repair and was completely invisible when complete. I sailed the boat for another two or three seasons without recurrence.

In the right hands, boat repair is not a death knell for racing boats - I think too many boats are "totaled out" after collisions and failures. Effective repair doesn't necessarily mean significant weight added.

I've read this thread and it's esoteric theory, anecdotal evidence, suppositions, etc. Simply proof to me that too much time is spent on worrying about reasons for a poor showing. There was a glimmer of light when people started ranking time on the boat above other issues, but then the wheels came off again. Full-circle, we're back to F16 sniping? *yawn*