Jake,

I hear ya. The reason i need to bring the pole all the way back is to bring the loading securely back to where it is originating, at the back beam attachment point for the understay.

This is more a safety measure than anything else. Keep in mind that because of the pretty severe angle (i didnt dare drop the DS any lower) there is going to be alot of tension on the y-axis to get enough force down on the Z-axis. when i say alot, i mean upwards of 800+ lbs. I did not want this to simply be absorbed by the front beam, the flex from the beam alone could make tuning a bear. Instead all that force goes down the central member, to the origination point of the loads. That way it keeps the "collateral" y-axis forces isolated from the rest of the boat, and rig, while retaining the z-axis loads placed under the forestay.

Check out the GC32's, or the AC45's they did the same thing, for the same reason. with the small exception of using carbon.

I had not thought of getting trapped. perhaps i can have a sleeve sew into the tramp...


as for the lawnmower, i plan to attach a 30 foot articulating sprit to the base of the mast, supported by a boom and truss system tied to the mast head, which allows 360 degree movement using an electric motor and swivel. The "chopper" will automatically engage at the 1 minute gun, clearing a 30 foot circle around my boat, and guaranteeing me a slot to leward at the start. but i'm in touch with RC to see how this will affect my D-pn.