[quote=klozhald]Tom,
You are reading White's yellow paperback, not the blue (older) hardback version? I only ask because someone first gave me the blue one and I threw it out after the first few chapters. The [b]yellow[/b] one is still good information, decades later.
Arvel's style is to put telltales in certain places on both sails, sail upwind and trim the jib lead blocks first to get it to luff top and bottom simultaneously, then do the same thing for the main, shaping it with the downhaul, outhaul and sheet. All this is done while maintaining that perfect angle to the wind of just beginning to stall the first tuft.. He also pays strict attention to the slot.
It is complex to visualize while reading, but in practice it comes together surprisingly fast. He has a series of four articles he published in a magazine that I can send you in a pdf format if you like. Just send me a private message with a regular email address for you.
As for the laser-level thing, you are right on the nose. Strong work on your part, deciphering my ramblings.
[quote=benedict]P.S. Wait a sec... Arvel Gentry was with Boeing in Washington? Cripes, he may have used the same wind tunnel I did. THAT'S COOL![/quote]
I had the same thought when I read about your work with the wind tunnel. The Boeing shop is just north of Seattle, and I'm betting yours was down the road a bit south of Seattle. Considering the availability of wind facilities when he was doing his research, you and he may have stood in the same place. Small world.
I am pa'u hana, my friend!
Bob[/quote]
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