The short track is really only about 4" shorter in travel than the straight track on the rear beam set up ( via. the arc. ) .. it works amazing .. leech tension is great , sail control is perfect playing the traveller and the downhaul ... a great improvement over the standard set up , mast rotates nicely ..the boat tacks without having to release mainsheet tension as on some other cats .. this all may change if I try a newer sail ... but for now it works awesome ... and I'm really happy with it ...