Actually, we race in the PNW and have our boat set up so that the downhaul exits the beam, runs back to the shroud, through a block and then to the downhaul purchase system.

That way the downhaul is always at the helmsmans hand (single wire), or at the helmsmans feet when double trapped.

BTW block to block is not a good measure of rake when comparing the NACRA and Tiger because the main leech length will vary...