what's the fastest way to the Leeward Mark?
1. Stay inside the boat and drive deep.
2. Trap out and drive for speed.

Assuming there is enough wind to do either, and knowing that I should keep the windward hull lightly tapping the waters surface.
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At what point should you go out on the trap wires?

Yes...

I have been meaning to set up a downwind mark (which you can "project" from your position directly downwind if you can figure out how to do it on a foretrex) and test that issue by doing both and only looking at your VMG. I believe it also depends on wind speed too and also if there are significant shifts. Guess it would have to be a pretty significant shift early on the downwind run to make a difference but it would come into play especially if you overstood C mark and need to run high to get there. But then again... I never can pick out wind shifts. I have been crewing a lot recent with a good skipper and have tried to read the wind a little better but it still seems like higher math (or biochem) and we never really got along.

When you have to make excessive steering movements or dump the traveller to react to a puff then it is likely time to get someone on the wire and get the boat driving more smoothly.

If you see a puff off to one side of the course and want to get to it in a hurry then put someone on the wire.

If the waves are easier to surf on one tack than the other then you may want to stay on the tramp on that tack to drive deeper when you are surfing.

For me, its a feel thing - when the boat feels like its popping up and then sitting back down again in the puffs without really squirting forward it is time to hit the wire.

Chris.

Try this;
http://www.tacticat.com/index.php

If it's early in the downwind leg, try and go over them if you think you can roll them, have superior speed (you'll need it to clear them on the next gybe), or have a puff rolling down from behind that you can use to accelerate past them while you blanket them from the puff (in lighter air). If it's late in the leg, you'll be able to pass if you can secure inside overlap going to the mark.

I think that having the crew out on the wire is just to dang fun not to do it! I make it happen as soon as possible and reluctantly bring them back on the tramp if it cannot be done.

Dan

You can sometimes catch someone snoozing too if your crew is fast to get the kite up and out on the wire. It's a great passing opportunity.

I know this about about A-C, and to the leeward mark.

But on distance races, when I'm obstructed by a channel, or the coast line, we often double trap. A rear foot strap and the all too familiar 'chicken line', really help when you stuff it in.