Thanks Dirk. And yes, you are correct. I am ONLY talking about using a spin in OPEN class racing...and then likely only in light winds (under 10 knots). There are NO Acats currently at our lake and I would be racing against other spinaker boats regardless of whether I had a spin or not purely based on standard Portsmouth numbers (and yes...I do realize my number would be modified with the spinaker!).

I have seen the video (didn't know who it was)and it is quite impressive!! Also your comments regarding the snail are consistent with what I have heard and are why I will likely stick with a more traditional pole snuffer even though there may be a slight upwind windage penalty.

Also, thanks to the folks commenting (educating me) onthe diff between Kevlar & Carbon construction.