I don't have the time to continue this further.

Tip vortex, flow from high pressure side to low pressure side, Leech vortexes and the shape of the top of the mainsail are all linked to the same processes at the end (tip) of a lift creating section.

A sqauretop main may reduce leech vortexes but will increase the magnitude of tip vortexes. They are all linked.

But the main point still remains that squaretops mains of equal size than pinhead sails aren't that much faster in top speed, they mainly behave better and quicker in gusts and lulls. And yes, this is the outcome of real life tests using identical platforms and well known sailors. Of course with a squaretop main you can put more area in the main but that is that brute force approach again which is skewing the picture.

Now, I much give up my participation in this debate for reasons of time. Till the next time Bill.


Wouter