Ahh, are you getting old Mark? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Usually a sure sign of age catching up to you that.. What I really want to see in a picture is the flying shape of your new spi.


Timbo, a one year spi should last a while unless you sail a lot. Letting out on the halyard to flatten the spi entry so you can go higher will cause the leech to flap, that is my experience as well. We never did that on new spis, only old beaters. If you are trying for best downwind VMG, it might be better to let the spi keep its designed shape, bite the bullet and not go wild. Many times VMG is better with "low and slow" in my experience. On distance races or races around fixed marks we have flattened the spi to try and use it as a Code0 sail in weak winds.


Robi, good luck with the F18 project. Hope you keep up as an ambassadour for the F16 class. I have to quote from the norwegian "mountain safety guidelines":
1: There is no shame in turning back
2: Turn back in time
<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />