Geert,

We surely improved our upwind skills since last year, especially when trapping 2-up. We notice the difference in our local regatta's and also noticed the difference between Mumbles and the Dutch nationals.

Personally I prefer a bigger crew on the downwind. With 150lbs trapping out on the downwind you just can't stuff it. With Kathleen out I still have to be careful in some situations....
But as Geert says, the handling is the most important. We go twice as fast around the course as we did 3 years ago with the same boat at the same weight!