A big difference I've noticed using the Carbon mast this event for the first time, is that the downhaul no longer flattens primarily the upper section of the sail...the C mast is so much stiffer even above the hounds, that the most bending is happening at the spreader arms...this seems to cause the whole sail to flatten nearly at the same rate.

Charlie O. agreed when I talked to him this afternoon...he said PUR could take off some heeling force at the top, which helped them at their much lighter crew weight.



Mike Tornado CAN 99 "Full Tilt"