The Stiletto 27 does use a downhaul (at least every one that I've seen). Now the R30 is a different beast and very well has a different setup. I'm still curious as to what is moving. Is the halyard on a cleat or halyard lock? Something else? Is the headboard still at full hoist or does it drop? If it starts at full hoist and a short time later is down some, you have two possiblities. 1.) Clutch is not gripping the halyard, or not enough turns on the cleat. 2.) Halyard stretching, not likely since he has a new one right?

Is it a wire + rope halyard?

Clayton