I found it odd that even during this race with winds in the 8-12 kts range, almost none of the other teams were trapping out down wind. I think USA 699 were doing it cause they are on the light side...but not by much compared to some of the other teams.

We were also running our spin blocks at the 3rd tramp hook, not the 4th as we did in the past. This closed up the leech some...though the photo is not showing this, likely due to the soft luff (not fully hoisted) and possibly an eased sheet.

This was Charlie's advice...#3 as the basic location, #4 for the high winds...and possibly #2 for real light stuff.
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Thanks Mike, hope you have time to do one of your usual reports to the TornadoCat list. You know, we are getting quite spoiled by you..

I noticed this image especially as the spi had so much draft and a loose luff (did not know that the halyard was slack due to rookie crew <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />) and the main was so twisted. Compared to the other boat, who had the crew in trapeze, you did not seem to have the same power. The angle the picture was taken in made it very easy to compare and see differences. Too bad you had a rookie crew for the trials.
You really should get a regulare crew to partner with, especially as you obviously want to do the Tornado well. After 6 years on the T with the same crew, I can tell you that bringing out a new crew can be frustrating and slow.

Mike Dobbs
Tornado CAN 99 "Full Tilt"