If I am right, the Capricorns have been delivered with 2 different pole lengths. My first Cap (built in 2004) had a shorter pole. When I replaced it two years ago / in 2006, my dealer (Sailcenter / The Netherlands) explained that the new models were delivered with slightly longer pole lengths as the F18 rules had changed in the meantime. The old rules required that the measurement point was the top side of the bow (deck level), while the new rules suimply mention the hull (no specific level) as the measurement point. As the bows of the Capricorn are inverse, this now allows the use of a slightly longer pole.

I would follow what GBR6 has said earlier (look at the manual).

Cheers