"It has more volume in the water than before but less out of the water and has thus far been faster up wind in nearly every condition"

With every thing moved back a little, is it being set up for Australian Conditions? I can assure you he probably hasnt sailed in my lake conditions, you know, very light, shifty, light and variable....
Will the boat be faster if you sail mostly light air stuff, or will it be better in waves, chop, and the 15-20 Australian stuff?

Ed, I trapped low all weekend, only because my new trap system allowed the stopper ball to pull thru the stopper knot giving me about 5 more inches of trap line. Just enough to not be able to reach my handle to get back on the boat! Sweeeet!