I've been reading the rules again!!

Rule 1.7.1 It is not permitted to adjust while racing : the rake of the mast, the tension of the standing rigging, the angle or length of the spreaders or the position and height of the gennaker boom.

I guess that rule rules out sliding spi poles a la the 29er and 49er.

Such a pole would help reduce the performance loss upwind from carrying a spi pole permanantly out the front of the boat.

I haven't seen this mentioned in discussions before. Is there a good reason?

Rob.