Sail area configuration effects on speed

Should be an interesting Worrell 1000 in 03 on the new Jav2- 18 HTs ,--Many would like to see the Worrell 1000 open up to Formula Classes in the near future. Possibly all types of F-18 HTs next year .

An interesting aspect in rules changed in 03 is that all teams will be allowed 2 sets of sails to be interchanged each day,- their option , presume many will have a larger full main and smaller flatter one, --similarly with the chutes.

There are some rumors also of a main reefing system to be put into use, --similar to the 110-ft cats in the RACE, -JUST A LITTLE smaller SCALE. This may be great for distance racing cats.

Another interesting aspect of the 18 HTs is that they seem to have settled into a shorter than max. . height mast allowed per class rules. This indicates a self-limiting factor to achieve the ideal sail configuration through the average range of conditions.
A taller mast and sail in ;aspect ratio{measurement of foot to luff length area inc. roach } generally 3 to 1 or more, --that is the base or foot of sail is one third or less the height.

We see this self limiting feature applied to mainsail aspect ratio and mast height applied in development classes like As and 18 SQs, --Some As sailed in predominantly light wind will have high aspect ratios and do well in light wind conditions, -but fade to the back of the pack as winds increase.
Similarly 18-sq. development went briefly to higher masts and sails but were beaten through the range of higher wind conditions by those with shorter masts and lower aspect sail.

We see many of the older designs like H-16s for example with relatively shorter masts 26 ft and lower aspect sails by modern standards that really excel in as the wind increases. ;We see similar effect in several newer 16s that have similar beam and righting features as longer length boats but have less sail area on shorter masts, --They also excel in higher wind speed conditions. Catamaran design with larger sail areas power up sooner, -but this added area when overpowered turns into aerodynamic drag as the flattened top portion twists off to leeward in high winds.

The ISAF has standard method for measuring {real sail area} ;this is what is used in several classes.
Some use rated sail area, which basically adds sail area to those that measure beyond a certain aspect ratio.

The high-speed record attempting sail craft use very small low aspect sail plans for anticipated high wind speeds required.

Is there an ideal formula for aspect ratio and area for each wind strength?
The question many W-1000 teams will be asking -what is the ideal for the 18 HT in 2 size ranges antisipating some higher wind speed days?

One rated sail area question also, would a 2 windspeed factor approach be a better means of rating sail area accurately, --based on mast height ;luff length, --sail area ;-aspect ratio and C E ;{center of effort}

Thanks
Carl