Carl-
Sorry, I didn't recognize the humorous intent (if you had added "novice Taipan sailor" then I probably would have gotten it as I have been asked many times "Where's the halyard on this thing? You get the sail up HOW??" And then I get to demonstrate ).
Just get tired of the Taipans getting "flamed" and fully expected someone else (not you) to jump on your post as another reason to flame them-
Thanks for clarifying- I CAN relate to the Tornado humor since that's also true of the 18 square meter I used to have!! Of course we have all declined to mention the venerable Aquacat- I'm not even sure if the correct name for the line that raises the top prtion of the lateen rig is "halyard" or not-
Funniest thing I ever saw related to novices sailing was the newbie who hosted his sail UPSIDE down (now THAT"S a squaretop ) and then walked down the beach to ask me where this pole thingy (boom) goes .

Kirt